Murder suspect denied bond in connection with Pembroke Park shooting

Ervin Watson, 27, accused of fatally shooting man in September

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – More than three months after Philip Antonino was shot and killed while trying to help an elderly man, his alleged killer has been caught and faced a judge in bond court on Tuesday.

Ervin Watson, 27, was actually arrested on a warrant in Canada on Dec. 12.

He was then brought back to Florida and was subsequently arrested by Broward Sheriff's Office deputies. 

Authorities said Watson fatally shot Antonino, 57, on Sept. 22. 

Watson faces charges of murder, fleeing and eluding authorities, among other charges. He was denied bond on Tuesday.

Detectives said Antonino saw an elderly man getting verbally abused in September near his auto shop along 56th Avenue and Hallandale Beach Boulevard in Pembroke Park.

Authorities said he stepped in and told Watson to back off -- a move that would cost him his life. 

Surveillance video shows Antonino confronting the aggressor before the fatal shots were fired. 

"He helped everybody. He opened his house to numerous people," the victim's wife, Anna Antonino, said.

Philip Antonino's family has been heartbroken ever since, saying it's been a difficult past couple of months.

His brother, Luciano Antonino, who worked with the victim for the past 35 years, said he is thankful that his brother's alleged killer has been caught.

"He was a big part of my life, not just as a brother, partner and a father. We did everything together," Luciano Antonino said. "Not a good time for me trying to deal with all of this. (I'm) glad he got caught."

Detectives said Watson has been arrested seven times in Broward County since 2008 on various charges from grand theft to resisting arrest. 


About the Author:

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.