Connecticut - WATERBURY - Video shows killing in bar Murder suspect seen scuffling with victim

OFF THE WIRE
JONATHAN SHUGARTS
 rep-am.com

The black-and-white surveillance video shown Thursday in Waterbury Superior Court was disturbing. In it, Ralph Pepe Jr. is seen tussling with his former friend, James Battista, as the two push each other in a dark corner of a city bar.

When they separate seconds later, Pepe, a 22-year-old father and probationary member of a motorcycle club, falls to one knee clutching a wood-trimmed rail of a nearby pool table, then collapses onto the floor.

Blood starts to pool beneath him, and Battista walks away.
Pepe died at a hospital a short time later from what police said were stab wounds.