A defense attorney claimed on Wednesday that CVS employees acted within their rights when a store worker fatally stabbed a habitual shoplifter in Midtown. The lawyer argued that the incident escalated after the shoplifter, Charles Burrito, 50, struck the employee, Scotty Enoe, on the head.
Enoe, 48, used a pocket knife to stab Burrito multiple times during the confrontation in early July 2023, asserting it was in self-defense.
“This was a fight. He was hitting him by the cooler,” said Enoe’s lawyer, calling his client’s response reasonable given what had transpired.
A Manhattan assistant district attorney confirmed that Burrito had first punched Enoe and mentioned that the worker was just fulfilling his duties of stocking fridges at the store. However, upon engaging with Burrito, Enoe reportedly pulled out a knife during the struggle, leading to Burrito being stabbed repeatedly.
The injuries proved fatal, as Burrito was found bleeding on the sidewalk with severe stab wounds to his liver.
Law enforcement sources reported that Burrito had a long history of arrests, totaling over a dozen, and was known for shoplifting from drug stores in the vicinity.
Prior to the violent incident, Burrito had interactions with Enoe and other individuals. According to the attorney, he was aggressively attempting to steal various items, including umbrellas.
Before the altercation, Burrito allegedly threatened Enoe, claiming he could not be stopped from stealing. The lawyer emphasized Burrito’s intent to confront and steal was clear.
Currently, Enoe is under electronic monitoring after posting bail, which was set at $100,000.
If found guilty of manslaughter, he could face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. However, there remains a possibility for acquittal if the judge finds that Enoe’s actions were justified based on the circumstances.
