Lillo Brancato's character in the closing moments of "A Bronx Tale," echoing the film's motif. "And the choices that you make will shape your life "

Saddest thing in life is wasted talent. These words may come back to haunt Brancato as the "Sopranos" actor appeared in court Monday for the start of his murder trial.
Brancato, 32, is charged with burglary and second-degree murder in the shooting death of off-duty cop Daniel Enchautegui after a break-in on Dec. 10, 2005.
"Wasted talent - in the movie, that was the theme," said Mike Cruz, 44, a Parkchester, Bronx, man who said he watched "A Bronx Tale" seven times and decided to attend the first day of jury selection at Bronx Supreme Court. "It's kind of ironic to be here now," said Cruz, who wore a feathered velvet fedora. "This is life imitating art."Brancato made his acting debut as Robert De Niro's son in the acclaimed 1993 crime drama. After Judge Martin Marcus informed the jury pool that the defendant is an actor, some potential jurors also took aim at the decisions Brancato has made."So many people would have given their right arm to star in a nationally known film, and he made this choice," one woman told the judge. "I don't think I can be impartial." She was excused.Jury selection is expected to last through the end of this week.Prosecutors contend Brancato, though unarmed, was part of a drug burglary that preceded the early morning shootout.That would make him guilty like his junkie pal and triggerman Steven Armento, 51, who was convicted last month of first-degree murder. Brancato's lawyers will try to show there was no burglary.

Posted in: Bronx Supreme Court