- James Allen faces a second-degree murder charge stemming from the incident
- A police report says Allen punched 55-year-old John Roughton in the face
- Roughton’s head bounced off the pavement and he was knocked unconscious
- Family members agreed to take Roughton off of life-support after falling into vegetative state
James Allen (pictured), 34, faces a second-degree murder charge stemming from the incident
Authorities say a man punched in the face during an argument over beer has died after the fight outside a Florida restaurant.
The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports 34-year-old James R. Allen faces a second-degree murder charge stemming from the incident Oct. 20 in the parking lot of a Popeye’s chicken outlet.
A police report says Allen punched 55-year-old John Roughton in the face, causing him to fall flat on his back.
Roughton’s head bounced off the pavement and he was knocked unconscious.
Roughton underwent surgery, but police say his family elected to have him taken off life support after falling into a vegetative state.
He died at 1.45pm on Tuesday at Halifax Health Medical Center, according to authorities.
A police report says Allen punched 55-year-old John Roughton in the face, falling back and knocking his head against the pavement
Both men’s addresses were listed as a nearby homeless assistance center.
Allen remains in jail and records don’t list a lawyer. He was initially charged with aggravated battery.
When he was detained by police, Allen admitted that he had struck Roughton in the face over the alcoholic beverage.
Allen said he also witnessed Roughton’s head hit the pavement and begin bleeding, but walked away from the scene.