Killer back in custody after breaching his bail conditions

Man appealing conviction in beating death of bar patron in 2005

A convicted killer who had been out on bail pending an appeal is back in jail after allegedly violating his release conditions.

Charlie Manasseri is accused of breaching a condition of his recognizance after allegedly having contact with a witness.

Manasseri, 52, received a life sentence with no chance of parole for 10 years in February 2012 after a jury found him guilty of seconddegree murder for the killing of Brian Fudge nearly a decade ago. Police allege Manasseri contacted the witness on Oct. 27, nearly one year to the day he was released.

Fudge died on Jan. 2, 2005, a day after he was attacked in separate assaults at Le Skratch Bar and Grill, where he had been drinking and celebrating his 22nd birthday and New Year’s Eve.

Witnesses testified at the trial that Manasseri had repeatedly pounded Fudge’s head into the metal bar top after an argument between the men over who should be served first. A still-conscious Fudge was escorted from the bar by bouncers and then punched in the face by a second man, George Kenny. Fudge immediately fell unconscious. Doctors testified during the trial that Manasseri’s attack likely led to the massive brain injury that killed Fudge.

Manasseri appealed his conviction, arguing he had fresh evidence that could prove he may not have delivered the fatal blow.

As part of his release conditions, Manasseri was not to have any contact with employees from the bar, witnesses or Fudge’s family. Manasseri was released on a $125,000 bond to two sureties.