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Updated 09/30/2010 10:38 PM

Brooklyn Man Charged With Murdering Off-Duty Bartender

By: NY1 News

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A Brooklyn man was arrested Thursday in connection with the stabbing death of an off-duty bartender.

Daniel Pagan, 36, is charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

Investigators say it all began shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday when two dogs who were tied up outside the Branded Saloon in Prospect Heights began fighting. That's when Chai Eun Hillmann, 41, went outside to check on the disturbance.

Police say Pagan, a patron at the bar, became enraged when he thought Hillmann came into physical contact with his wife.

He allegedly stabbed the bartender twice in the torso as friends and co-workers looked on in horror.

"It was two dogs fighting. Chai was actually trying to separate the dogs, he didn't want his dog to get hurt. And some words were exchanged and a scuffle ensued. And within second this man's pulling out a huge knife and stabbing," said one bar employee.

"He [Eun Hillmann] was always laughing joked about random things he would do impressions he was funny," said another.

The whole incident was recorded by the bar's security cameras.

A waiter was also slashed in the neck. He is reportedly in stable condition.

Grief counselors have been brought in to help employees work through the tragedy.

A vigil to remember Hillmann is scheduled for Saturday.