The bar bouncer who allegedly went on a deadly shooting rampage outside a Chelsea bar last year – and who’s going on trial today for three Brooklyn murders – was apparently fond of inspirational messages.
“In order to succeed, you have to be a monster in a very positive way.”
That uplifting motto, which sources said was found printed on a piece of paper on a wall inside Stephen Sakai’s Nostrand Avenue apartment, will not be overlooked when Sakai, 32, is tried for three Brooklyn killings, committed between Sept. 1, 2005, and Nov. 28, 2005.
Sources said investigators also found what might be termed a shopping list for Sakai: a .45 caliber handgun, plastic wrap, rubber gloves and a chainsaw.
“Can you say body disposal?” asked one law-enforcement source.
Regardless of the results in the case, Sakai will also face a separate trial in Manhattan for a May 2006 shooting rampage he allegedly went on after an argument with patrons at Chelsea’s Opus 22. The bloodbath left one man dead and three people injured.
Law-enforcement sources said Sakai had been on their radar screen regarding the three Brooklyn homicides, but the killings were still officially unsolved cases when cops questioned Sakai about the Opus 22 shooting.
In statements made to police, Sakai admitted, in some fashion, to involvement in all three murders.
Sakai’s lawyer, Kleon Andreadis, declined to comment in detail on the case. “He maintains his innocence,” he said.