Defendant in 2022 Murder at a Yonkers Bar Offered Plea Deal

Yaquba McGougain has been offered a plea deal after a shooting incident that left one dead.

The incident occurred at Duo Tapas Bar & Lounge on Yonkers Avenue during the early hours of February 6^th, 2022. The victims were shot just inside the front door at around 2 a.m. after patrons were instructed to leave the bar due to a fight. The shooting resulted in the death of 22-year-old employee Antonio Antoine-Fils as well as a non-fatal injury to a bouncer.

McGougain, a 31-year-old resident of Peekskill who was present at the bar, remained at the scene when the first Yonkers Police officers arrived. A witness identified him and three others as being involved in the shooting. Another witness informed the police that they had observed an individual retrieving a gun from a car parked near the bar shortly before the shooting and returning it afterward. McGougain was subsequently taken to the police headquarters for questioning.

Although a 9mm pistol was recovered from his car, it has not been definitively determined as the weapon used to shoot the victims. Nevertheless, he was charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. McGougain pleaded not guilty to these charges.

During statements made at the police headquarters, McGougain denied any involvement in the shooting. However, upon being shown surveillance video depicting a man going to and from the car, he confirmed his identity.

Plea Deal

Lack of evidence seems to have led prosecutors to offer an eight-year prison sentence solely for the gun possession charge. In contrast, the murder charge carries a minimum prison sentence of 15 years to life. Additionally, the charges of attempted murder and assault carry maximum terms of 25 years.

Currently held without bail at the county jail, McGougain has until July 24^th to accept the plea deal. The offer would be retracted if any new evidence supporting the violent offenses emerges.

Duo Tapas Bar & Lounge had received numerous complaints from neighbors over its decade in operation. Following the shooting, the state Liquor Authority revoked the establishment’s liquor license. This resulted in the permanent closure of the business.