12 April 2023 , 21:51
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An MMA fighter has been arrested after he allegedly punched a solider to death during a bar brawl in Florida.
Ross Johnson, 23, from Illinois, US, is accused of killing Air Force Airman 1st Class Dayvon Larry, 31, on Sunday after a fight broke inside the Coyote Ugly Saloon bar in Panama City Beach.
The victim, who did not participate in the fight, was allegedly punched by Mr Johnson behind the ear and killed outside the bar's car park.
The suspect ran away from police and hid in his hotel room after allegedly getting involved in another fight.
Security found Mr Larry lying on the floor unconscious and immediately administered CPR before rushing him to a nearby hospital. Tragically, he died from his injuries.
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Air Force Airman 1st Class Dayvon Larry was tragically killed (Facebook)The victim's autopsy showed he had suffered a skull fracture and a bruise the size of a "softball" behind his ear.
The amateur fighter was identified by security as a possible suspect but when interviewed by officers he gave conflicting stories on what led up to the fight.
He initially said he pushed Mr Larry but, according to cops, he allegedly told a witness, "Man I hit that guy, I laid him out, and I think I killed him."
However, investigators confirmed the suspect later confessed to throwing the killer punch.
The suspect has been charged with manslaughter by the Panama City Beach Police Department.
The incident happened at Coyote Ugly Saloon bar (Google Maps)Mr Larry's heartbroken family paid tribute to the 31-year-old who was part of the Tyndall Air Force Base.
Cousin David Beckwith wrote on Facebook: "'How could something like this happen to a person like you?"
Colleague Savannah Bryson said he was one of the most "gentle" and "respectful" souls.
She said: "One of the most genuine and respectful souls I ever got the pleasure of meeting.
Ross Johnson has been charged with manslaughter (Panama City Beach Police Department)"We’ll be praying for both justice to be done for the ones that took his life - it’s such a tragedy."
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The Tyndall Air Force Base confirmed in a statement one of their members died on Sunday but did not release Mr Larry's name.
It said: "This is a devastating loss for team Tyndall our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and fellow airman during this tough time."
The mixed martial arts suspect, who has six amateur fights and one professional fight under his belt, made his professional MMA debut in August 2021.