The reputed Albanian mobster accused of fatally stabbing a groom-to-be during a Staten Island engagement party acted in self-defense, his lawyer insisted yesterday.
“I believe there were several people who essentially attacked my client. It seems like he has a good case for self-defense. Hopefully, justice will prevail,” said lawyer Thomas Reilly, who is representing murder suspect Redinel Dervishaj.
Dervishaj, 35, allegedly plunged a butcher’s knife into the chest of bricklayer Anthony Lacertosa, 27, during an early-morning melee last Saturday in front of the Espana Restaurant — a fight sparked when some of the dozen partygoers were caught urinating outside the hot spot.
When Dervishaj and his restaurant-manager pal confronted the group over their public peeing, the angry mob attacked Dervishaj, according to law-enforcement sources who viewed surveillance video of the brawl.
Dervishaj was charged yesterday with second-degree murder and remanded without bail during his arraignment in Staten Island Criminal Court. He is due back in court next Friday.
The immigrant, who allegedly has ties to the Albanian mob, had fled the city after the stabbing and was nabbed Tuesday hiding at his aunt’s Illinois home, cops said.
He waived extradition and was returned to Staten Island.
Dervishaj’s brother is an international fugitive wanted for four murders in Albania.
Additional reporting by Chuck Bennett & Jamie Schram