California Bar Manager Fatally Punched While Trying to Break Up Fight Between Unruly Patrons, Cops Say

Three bar patrons in California got into a fight outside the pub after they were asked to leave the establishment, according to authorities. Then, one man allegedly punched the manager who was trying to break up the fight, knocking him to the ground and killing him, police said.

Just after midnight on June 11, officers responded to Jameson’s Pub in Santa Monica in response to a call of a battery that just occurred, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

Responding officers found the manager was not breathing and administered CPR until medics arrived.

The victim, a man reportedly in his 50s who has not been identified, was transported to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries, law enforcement officials said.

According to Santa Monica Police Lt. Erika Aklufi, the three patrons got into an argument on the sidewalk near the establishment. “A single punch was thrown. The victim likely hit his head on the way down to the ground, and it was those things that ended up leading to his death," Akulfi said, noting, "This is one of those tragic examples of how when alcohol is involved in an incident, something that could be very minor ends up turning into a life-changing event that is affecting many lives.”

Police said all three of the allegedly unruly patrons were taken into custody.

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It was determined that 26-year-old Leonard Hector Korpie was the alleged assailant who threw that single punch, and he was charged with homicide in the death of the bar manager, authorities said. He was being held on a $2 million bond.

It’s not clear if the other two patrons have been charged with any crimes.