Five individuals are in custody following the tragic death of Thomas John “T.J.” Pizzitola, 29, who sustained severe injuries during a bar fight in Old Town Scottsdale earlier this month. Scottsdale police announced on Wednesday that arrests were made in connection with Pizzitola’s death.
The arrested include:
– Drew Meneses, 24, who has been charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault.
– Julius Husser, 27, Tony Becker, 26, and Mark Whitford, 23, all facing accusations of aggravated assault.
– Krista Molina, 27, charged with assault and disorderly conduct.
According to court documents, on October 10, Pizzitola and two friends were dropped off at Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge shortly before 10 p.m. After visiting two other bars, the group returned to Pattie’s between 1:30 and 1:45 a.m. Staff at the bar requested security to remove Pizzitola and his friends due to their unruly behavior. The group was escorted out, and the police were notified, but since no crimes had been committed, the men were released.
Just 30 minutes later, while waiting for a rideshare, a confrontation occurred after one of Pizzitola’s friends accidentally bumped into Molina. Following an argument, Pizzitola’s group attempted to leave, but were pursued by the suspects. Witnesses allege that Meneses delivered a sudden, powerful punch to Pizzitola, rendering him unconscious and causing severe brain injuries upon hitting the pavement.
During a preliminary court hearing, the prosecutor detailed the incident, stating Meneses’ attack was unprovoked and that cellphone footage captured the moment he “sucker punched” Pizzitola. As Pizzitola lay on the ground, his friends were also targeted by the group of suspects.
Once law enforcement arrived, Pizzitola was found unconscious and subsequently rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced brain dead. His organs were donated, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy for others in need.
Meneses, who has a prior felony conviction for a violent crime, was held on a $1 million cash bond. The ruling reflects the serious nature of the charges as the community grapples with the loss of a life taken abruptly.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, underscoring the importance of safety in public spaces and the impact of violence in social settings.