Two Men Charged In Fatal Shooting at Brian's Cafe

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Ferman has just announced the filing of murder charges against two men in connection with the fatal shooting of Victor Bonilla-Baez outside of Brian's Cafe on March 22.

According to the release, Michael Hinton, along with his cousin, Maurice Andrews Jr., of Pottstown, are both charged with first, second, and third-degree murder and related offenses in connection with the shooting. Hinton has been in custody since March 22, but police have been unable to locate Andrews.

Police responded to a report of a shooting outside of Brian's Cafe at 2:17 a.m. on March 22, where they discovered Bonilla-Baez lying on the street with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso. He was transported to Pottstown Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

His manner of death was ruled homicide, the release states.

A joint investigation by the Pottstown Police Department and Montgomery County Detectives uncovered a .357 caliber handgun at the scene of the shooting, as well as a blood trail leading away from the scene. Investigators followed the trail to a vacant home on the 300 block of Walnut Street, where they found a blood-soaked mattress and clothing in the basement, the report states.

Shortly before 8 a.m., a second shooting victim – later identified as Michael Hinton – was seen walking with a limp on the 500 block of Lesher Alley. Detectives arrived on scene to speak with Hinton, who gave a fake name, and he was then taken to the hospital for treatment, according to the report.

While speaking with police as the hospital, Hinton allegedly lied about the incident, but when confronted by investigators about the inconsistancies in his story, he began to provide accurate details about the incident, the report states,

The following is an exerpt from the press release:

Hinton told detectives that he was approached by his cousin, Maurice Andrews, Jr., the day before the murder. Andrews told Hinton that on March 20, he was involved in an attempted kidnapping of Baez’s nephew. Andrews asked Hinton to come to Pottstown with him to “watch his back."

Once in Pottstown, both defendants armed themselves – Andrews with a Glock semi-automatic pistol, and Hinton with a .357 revolver. In the early morning hours of March 22, Andrews and Hinton – both armed – traveled to Brian’s Café.  On the way to Brian’s Café Andrews told Hinton that he wanted to kill Baez. 

Hinton stated that upon arriving at Brian’s Café, he went inside to look for Baez, and eventually Hinton saw Baez in the establishment. Hinton and Andrews then waited for Baez to leave the bar. 

Once Baez exited the bar, Hinton and Andrews drew their guns; Baez grabbed Hinton and began to struggle with him for control of the .357 revolver. During the struggle, Andrews opened fire, striking Hinton and killing Baez. 

After the shooting, both defendants fled. Hinton fled to 338 Walnut Street, and Andrews fled the scene in an unknown direction.

Investigators were able to corroborate aspects of Hinton's story with physical evidence, and they also were able to interview the individual who allegedly drove Andrews and Hinton to Brian's Cafe prior to the shooting, the report states.

Hinton will be arraigned this afternoon at Judge Edward C. Kropp's court at 1:30 p.m.

Attempts to capture Andrews have been unsuccessful, and authorities are now requesting public assistance to apprehend him. The release requests that residents use great caution, as Andrews may be armed.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the county detectives at 610-278-3373.

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