Brooklyn bouncer murder: Bronx man gets 20 years for fatal stabbing outside of Gowanus bar

December 4, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Few foldings knives, a judge's gavel and a book on wooden table

Photo: yuriygolub/Adobe Stock

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A Bronx man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Wednesday for fatally stabbing one bouncer and injuring another outside a Gowanus club in 2022.

Jose Velasco, 22, of Morrisania, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on Oct. 16. Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun imposed the sentence, which includes five years of post-release supervision.

“This was a senseless and escalatory act of violence that cost a man his life,” said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. “The defendant has admitted his guilt and will now have to live with the disastrous consequences of his actions.”

According to the evidence, Velasco was ejected from a party at a club on 7th Street on Feb. 26, 2022, at around 10:35 P.M., after acting aggressively. Outside, he argued with three of the club’s bouncers. During the dispute, two bouncers struck Velasco in the head and face. Velasco then pulled a kitchen knife from his waistband, stabbing a 21-year-old bouncer in the back.

The building on 7th Street near 3rd Avenue in Gowanus, where the fatal stabbing of bouncer Marvin Pretto took place in February 2022. Jose Velasco was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the crime.

Velasco then chased 25-year-old Marvin Pretto into the street and stabbed him in the chest. Pretto sustained injuries to his heart and a major blood vessel. He was transported to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The other victim was treated for a liver laceration at Brooklyn Methodist before being transferred to Stony Brook Medical Center.

Velasco was apprehended about an hour later near 2nd Avenue and 13th Street. Police observed him dropping a bloodstained knife as they approached. An eyewitness later identified him as having been at the scene.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mancino of the Homicide Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Leila Rosini.