The Latest: Pizzeria owner dies in apparent botched robbery

Published July 01, 2016

The Latest on the slaying of the owner of a landmark Brooklyn pizzeria(all times local):

4:05 p.m.

An official with the New York Police Department says the killing of the owner of a landmark Brooklyn pizzeria appears to have been a botched robbery.

Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce told reporters Friday that it appears L&B Spumoni Gardens owner Louis Barbati was killed in the backyard of his house by a bandit who knew about the cash he was carrying. The shooter fired five rounds, then fled on foot empty-handed Thursday night.

The killer is still being sought.

When asked about a row over red sauce that's part of the restaurant's lore, Boyce said no other motive had emerged so far.

L&B Spumoni Gardens has been run by the Barbati family for four generations. It's known for its Sicilian pies and has been featured on several food shows.

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10:25 a.m.

Authorities in New York are investigating the shooting death of the owner of a landmark Brooklyn pizzeria.

Police say L&B Spumoni Gardens owner Louis Barbati was shot twice in the torso in the backyard of his home in Brooklyn's Dyker Heights section Thursday night. The 61-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors reported hearing several shots around 7 p.m.

Police are still searching for the gunman believed to be in his 30s and wearing a black hoodie.

L&B Spumoni Gardens has been in business since 1939 and has been run by the Barbati family for four generations. It is known for its Sicilian pies and has been featured on several food shows.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/the-latest-pizzeria-owner-dies-in-apparent-botched-robbery