The Boston bouncer who stabbed a 23-year-old Marine veteran to death in March of 2022 pleaded guilty to manslaughter during a hearing Thursday morning in Suffolk Superior Court.
Alvaro Omar Larrama, who was a bouncer at the former Sons of Boston bar on Union Street near Faneuil Hall, was charged in the killing of Daniel Martinez. Martinez was from the Chicago area.
Larrama was originally facing a murder charge.
"I want to sincerely and deeply apologize to Mr. Martinez's family for causing insurmountable pain, sorrow, grief and anguish," he said.
A judge on Thursday sentenced Larrama to prison no more than 20 years in prison, and no less than 17 years.
The Martinez family and their attorney spoke with news media following Thursday morning's hearing.
"Parents aren't supposed to bury their children. It's unnatural," mother Apolonia Martinez said in court. "I cannot hug my son anymore. All I have are memories, a folded flag, a grave to cry on and to place flowers on."
Family members addressed Larrama directly Thursday.
"This is the world we live in, this is our reality. It's overrun with animals like him, that prey on unsuspecting, innocent people," the victim's mother said.
"The sudden death of Dan has taken part of me with him. My family and friends may still see me as a kid, but that kid isn't here anymore," said his brother, David Martinez. "As for you, Mr. Larrama, I can look you in the eyes today and say 'I forgive you.'"
Speaking outside of court, Apolonia Martinez said she was appreciative of an apology that Larrama gave in court, adding that a trial would have been too much for her family and those who witnessed the killing.
"I do feel he was genuine, and I do forgive him, but I still stand firm that he should spend the 20 years in prison," she said.
The incident happened on March 19, 2022. Prosecutors at the time said that Martinez was waiting in line with a friend just before 7 p.m., when words were exchanged between Larrama and Martinez. Investigators learned that Larrama denied Martinez and his friend entry to the bar.
Prosecutors said that the pair began walking away, and was pursued by Larrama. Larrama allegedly stabbed Martinez in the chest during the incident. Martinez was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The bouncer, an East Boston resident, turned himself in two days later.
Sons of Boston had its liquor license suspended in April of 2022. A former manager and partial owner pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact in November 2023.
The bar's ownership was preparing to reopen under the name Loyal Nine, the Boston Globe reported last year, which has since opened its doors.
