Court shows video of alleged assault at Demonbreun Street bar that led to man’s death
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – Key evidence was shown for the first time Wednesday in the case of a security guard accused of assaulting a man outside of a Demonbreun Street bar.
In February, Austin Turner was left in a coma and died a couple of weeks after an altercation with Richard Cornelius, a licensed Tin Roof security guard.
During a preliminary hearing Wednesday, May 1, Austin’s family watched the video capturing the incident for the first time.
Tin Roof security guard charged with assault that left bar patron in coma
“It’s just very unfair, the fact that he had no idea it was coming. He wasn’t prepared and just seeing that was his last moments and knowing at that moment we were never going to talk to him again. We never got to verbally speak with him again. He never opened his eyes again for us after that moment…it’s tough,” explained Austin’s stepmother Meagan Turner.
The video from a neighboring business shows Cornelius appearing to push Austin out of the bar and as he walks away, you see the guard appear to strike Austin multiple times from behind. A police report said Austin was left unconscious.
WATCH: Video of alleged assault at Tin Roof before man’s death in Nashville shown in court
“Totally looks like to me he was blowing that guy off and walking away and was chased down and repeatedly hit,” said Austin’s father, Josh Turner.
Cornelius’s family was also in the courtroom Wednesday with his attorney, saying the video only captures what happened outside the bar, not what unfolded inside Tin Roof, accusing Turner of trespassing and assaulting the guard.
“They keep saying there was an altercation inside the bar. Let’s see it; let’s see your video tape of that in the bar,” Josh said after the hearing.
‘Our son is gone’: Family of man in coma after altercation with security guard speaks out
Witness testimony said video from Tin Roof doesn’t exist.
Requiring video surveillance inside establishments is one of the changes Austin’s family wants to see as they push to make bars safer, while enhancing training requirements for guards through Dallas’s Law.
Cornelius’ attorney said he acted in self defense.
“The situation is Mr. Turner was removed once. He came back in a second time and the distinction, demeanors between. He was calm the first time he was removed, came in hostile and immediately started physically confronting Mr. Cornelius the second time,” Attorney Ben Powers explained after the hearing.
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Austin’s family disagreed.
“There is no self defense once the threat has been removed and at the point outside of the bar, Austin was leaving without any incident and was struck from behind, multiple feet outside of the bar, multiple times. I mean, self defense from what? I mean, I’m sorry but no,” his parents stated.
Judge Sam Coleman ultimately bound the case over to the grand jury.
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