NEW CHARGE IN BAR FIGHT DEATH
Monday, February 9th, 2009 -- 1:41 PM
A Shawano man accused of throwing a punch that led to the death of a 43-year-old Neillsville man faces a new charge.Clark County District Attorney Darwin Zwieg amended the charges against 36-year-old Tyler Meier from Aggravated Battery and Disorderly Conduct to Felony Murder - Battery.
"Felony Murder is predicated on another offense being done; in this case it's battery," Zwieg explains.
It is the first time Zwieg has ever charged someone with Felony Murder in 30 years as Clark County D-A.
After reviewing the details of the case, Zwieg was convinced Meier had no intent to kill Keith Young when he threw the punch. He says the more common Reckless Homicide charge would have been more difficult to prove.
"There is something of a subjective mental element to it that needs to be proven," Zwieg says of the Reckless Homicide charge.
Felony Murder - Battery carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 1/2 years.
The amended charge comes after an autopsy revealed Young died due to traumatic head injuries due to fall caused by the punch.
Young was hospitalized in critical condition from shortly after the assault early February 1, to the time of his death on Tuesday, February 3.
Meier is scheduled to be back in Clark County Court on Wednesday for an initial appearance. He is currently free after family members posted his $20,000 cash bond on Friday.
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