MIAMI – A man was sentenced to 45 years in prison Friday for killing a popular Miami bartender during a botched burglary in 2014.
Raul Reinoso Martinez surprised the courtroom in the midst of his trial Friday when he decided to plead guilty to second-degree murder and armed burglary.
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On Thursday, Reinoso Martinez asked the judge for permission to dismiss his defense attorney so could represent himself during his trial.
He also told the judge, "I just want to die already."
The judge denied Reinoso Martinez’s request to represent himself.
Reinoso Martinez was arrested in St. Augustine Beach on July 4, 2014, in connection with the fatal shooting of Louis "Lulo" Salgar.
Police said Salgar arrived at his home near Miami's El Portal neighborhood on June 24, 2014, to find Reinoso Martinez burglarizing his home.
Police said Reinoso Martinez shot Salgar and fled in the victim's Honda Accord.
The stolen vehicle was later found near The Breakers hotel in Palm Beach.
Police said Reinoso Martinez was found with a machete when he was arrested.
Salgar was known in South Florida as a popular bartender who worked at numerous establishments, including the Broken Shaker, The Social Club and Gramps.