MMA fighter, 23, kills Florida Air Force soldier, 31, during bar fight and is charged with manslaughter
- Ross Johnson, 23, killed an Air Force soldier in combat in Florida
- Johnson, who has spent three years of “advanced fighter training,” rushed to help his friend fight when he supposedly punched Davon Larry, 31.
- Larry collapsed and was unconscious until he was pronounced dead at a local hospital with a softball-sized bruise behind his ear
An amateur MMA fighter has been arrested after he punched an Air Force soldier behind the ear in a fight in Florida – killing him.
Police said Ross Johnson, 23, was running to help his friend in a fight outside the Coyote Ugly Saloon in Panama City Beach on Sunday when Davon punched 31-year-old Larry, causing him to collapse.
Johnson, who had three years of “advanced fighter training,” did not attempt to get Larry’s help and instead supposedly told a witness, “I think I killed him.”
The MMA fighter in Cartersville, Illinois gets into another fight after knocking Larry out and runs to hide away from the police in his hotel room.
It’s unclear if Larry was part of the fight or was just getting in Johnson’s way when the MMA fighter stormed into the fray.
Amateur MMA fighter Ross Johnson, 23, allegedly killed an Air Force soldier in a Florida fight on Sunday
Johnson, who has spent three years of “advanced fighter training,” rushed to help his friend fight when he supposedly punched Davon Larry, 31.
Johnson has three wins and two losses on his MMA record. The victim’s autopsy showed he had a fractured skull and a “softball” sized bruise behind his ear.
Police claim Johnson hit Larry only once before fleeing the scene using a ride-sharing service. Larry is discovered by a security officer after he breaks up the fight.
The soldier was pronounced dead at a local hospital after paramedics failed to save him with life-saving procedures outside the pub.
Police announced on Tuesday that Johnson had been arrested and gave multiple accounts of what happened during the bar fight.
The MMA fighter was arrested with the help of surveillance footage from the pub that allegedly showed Johnson punching the soldier.
He initially said he only pushed Larry, but investigators say he told the witness, “I beat that guy up, I knocked him out, and I think I killed him.”
A woman who messaged Johnson on Snapchat also came forward and revealed that he messaged her about the incident and how Larry “wasn’t moving.”
Johnson (right) is seen above in an MMAX tournament wearing black trunks
Larry collapsed outside the Coyote Ugly Saloon (above) and was unconscious until he was pronounced dead at a local hospital with a softball-sized bruise behind his ear
Johnson, who had done three years of “advanced fighter training,” did not attempt to get Larry help and instead supposedly told a witness, “I think I killed him.”
Police said on Tuesday that Johnson did not receive any assistance for Larry, who fell to the ground
Many mourn the loss of Larry, who was part of Tyndall Air Force Base.
How could something like this happen to someone like you, his cousin David Beckwith wrote on Facebook.
“One of the most honest and respectful souls I have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” added Savannah Bryson. We will pray for justice for those who took his life – it is such a tragedy.
“Davon Larry was definitely one of the good guys,” said Shyla Johnson.
Tyndall Air Force Base confirmed that one of its members had died on Sunday, but did not name him.
“This is a devastating loss for Team Tyndall. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and fellow pilot during this difficult time,” officials wrote.
Many mourn the loss of Larry, who was part of Tyndall Air Force Base
