Guilty verdict in 2022 murder at La Barkania Bar and Restaurant
April 3, 2025
Case #2022-008692
Tuesday night, a Manatee County jury found Mario Alba-Reyes, 28, guilty of second-degree murder in the 2022 death of Domingo Mendez at the La Barkania Bar and Restaurant, located at 2209 9th St W.
On October 29, 2022, Mendez, 41, and his girlfriend attempted to enter La Barkania when Alba-Reyes and another man confronted them. According to statements later provided to detectives by Alba-Reyes, Mendez "shoulder bumped" one of the men, and a verbal argument ensued. Mendez and his girlfriend decided to return to their car, but Alba-Reyes followed them. Alba-Reyes retrieved a gun from his vehicle and shot Mendez in the head at close range, then left the scene. Mendez died from his injuries on October 31, 2022.
Detectives with the Manatee Homicide Investigation Unit quickly obtained information identifying the shooter as Alba-Reyes. CCTV video revealed that Alba-Reyes left the scene in a Mitsubishi Endeavor, and the vehicle struck a stop sign in an attempt to leave the area. Detectives located the SUV, and BPD Traffic Homicide Unit investigators determined the vehicle had damage consistent with colliding with the sign.
On November 4, 2022, Alba-Reyes turned himself in to detectives.
Alba-Reyes's trial was held March 31, 2025 - April 2, 2025.
The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of life in prison. The minimum mandatory sentence is 25 years in prison under Florida’s 10/20/LIFE firearm enhancement statute.
Mario Alba-Reyes