…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Amateur MMA fighter, Ross Johnson, was arrested and charged with manslaughter for allegedly killing US Air Force Airman, Dayvon Larry, with a single punch during a bar fight in Panama Beach City, Florida.
Johnson is being held on a $250,000 bond.
Police allege Johnson and a group of his friends got into a verbal altercation with another group at the Coyote Ugly Saloon, and during the altercation, Johnson attacked Larry, who had not participated in the initial confrontation.
Johnson allegedly struck Larry behind the left ear, which left him unconscious and unattended in the parking lot as Johnson took an Uber to his nearby hotel.
Larry was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
An autopsy revealed that Larry suffered a “3-inch skull fracture” and a bruise the size of a “softball” behind his ear.
Johnson was identified as a mixed martial artist with five wins and two losses, and last fought in 2021 with “three years of advanced fighting training.”
Police also allege that Johnson “continuously omitted facts” regarding the deadly assault when speaking with officers.
During the altercation, Johnson allegedly told a witness, “Man I hit that guy.
I laid him out, and I think I killed him.” Johnson has five wins and two losses as a mixed martial artist and last fought in 2021.
Larry, who had been stationed at Panama City’s Tyndall Air Force Base, was part of the 325th Security Forces Squadron that “provides force protection programs to include weapon system security, police services, resource protection, and antiterrorism” for the base.
The squadron said in a statement that Larry was an “outstanding Airman” and his passion for helping the local youth and his fellow Airmen will be sorely missed by all.
This tragic incident is a reminder of the dangers of violence and the importance of conflict resolution without resorting to physical confrontation.
It also highlights the need for accountability when actions result in the loss of human life.
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