CVS Worker Testifies in Manslaughter Case
A tearful CVS employee recounted his experience during a manslaughter trial, saying he used a knife to defend himself against an attacker. The incident occurred in July 2023, when Scott Enoe, 48, described how he had to “jab” a man who was violently assaulting him in a midtown store.
Enoe testified in Manhattan that he intervened to protect his two female coworkers from Charles Burrito, a 50-year-old homeless man known for shoplifting. “He just beat the heck out of me. I couldn’t take him on with my bare hands,” Enoe said, emphasizing the aggressiveness of the situation.
Recalling the moment, Enoe shared that he was restocking drinks when Burrito ambushed him. The altercation escalated quickly, with Burrito throwing punches and slamming Enoe’s head against a cooler. Enoe noted that he felt his female colleagues could be in real danger.
He described how, amidst the chaos, one of his coworkers intervened, trying to help him by pushing Burrito away. Enoe testified that he felt compelled to defend himself further. “He wanted to hurt me again. I gave him a jab to get him off me,” he explained.
When asked if he heard Burrito say, “it hurts,” Enoe responded negatively, later admitting to law enforcement that he acted out of revenge for the earlier attack, though he acknowledged being overwhelmed at the time. “I wasn’t thinking straight; I was just beaten,” he emphasized.
Prosecutors allege that Enoe used a small folding knife, delivering eight stab wounds to Burrito, two of which struck vital organs. Burrito staggered out and later died due to his injuries.
During the trial, Enoe’s colleagues, Katrina Rivera and Arendrea Foolness, recalled the threatening behavior of Burrito leading up to the attack. Rivera, who was the CVS manager at the time, described Burrito’s aggressive demeanor as he entered the store.
Witnesses noted that Enoe had suffered injuries during the confrontation, including swollen eyes and a busted lip. A photo of the knife used in the altercation was presented to the court as evidence.
Enoe, who is currently free on a $100,000 bail, faces significant legal consequences, with potential sentences of up to 25 years if convicted of manslaughter. A Manhattan jury is expected to begin deliberations over the weekend, and if they find that Enoe acted reasonably to protect himself and his colleagues, they may acquit him.
