Pocono News Section

Accused Vandal Found Dead in Jail Cell

Accused Vandal Found Dead in Jail Cell - Monday, March 23, 2009 at 5:10PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Mar 23, 2009 @ 05:10pm EST
MOUNTAINHOME, MONROE COUNTY - A coroner has ruled the death of a Monroe County Businessman who died in jail suicide. Officials say a prison guard found Mumun Barbaros dead Sunday morning inside his prison cell. He was 46 years old.

Barbaros owned Continental Grill in Barrett Township. Police arrested him last week on charges of vandalizing a rival business, Capri Pizza and Restaurant in Mountainhome.

Joe Kastrati owns Capri Pizza. He wanted someone to be punished for repeatedly vandalizing his pizza business, but he certainly didn't want anybody to die. He explained, "I was being stalked, I was being damaged, on the verge of bankruptcy but I certainly never wanted to see anybody lose their life over something like this."

The lights in Barbaros' restaurant were dark Monday. A small memorial of flowers, candles and a card sat outside. "I just think it's a tragic, tragic situation all the way around," said Kastrati.

He was prepared to testify against Barbaros in court this week. But over the weekend a police officer told him he wouldn't have to; the man who allegedly vandalized his business had committed suicide.

"It's just too bad that he couldn't somehow see that he'd have a chance to pay his debt to society and hopefully have another chance of getting out," said Kastrati.

Barbaros leaves behind a wife and two children. "A loss of life, that's always tragic no matter what the circumstances. My heart goes out to his family and children," said Kastrati.

He told Eyewitness News he'd even be willing to help the Barbaros family if they needed it. For example, if someone started a fundraiser he'd be willing to put a donation jar on the counter.

"I almost wish they didn't catch him at all to be honest with you, if I knew it was going to end up like this," reflected Kastrati.

A county official said she could not yet release details about the suicide. The death remains under investigation. Barbaros' alleged accomplice, 20 year old Mehmet Edgu, faces a preliminary hearing Thursday.