Grand Junction Comments

By blootle

November 5, 2009 4:40 AM | Link to this

“I beat his a*, and I think I killed him,” 27-year-old Sahr Benjamin Mbawa told a friend while inside the Corner Store at 32 and E roads early Tuesday, the affidavit alleges. The conversation was overheard by a store clerk, who said the suspect was laughing and talking to a friend about the fight, according to the affidavit”

Pretty much says it about this “man’s” attitude and empathy for others. Like so many, his arrest record and prior violent behaviours are lengthy and serious and it was just a matter of time before somebody died. Why violent repeat offenders are ever let out of prison is something I can’t understand.

He had a perfect job for his love of hands-on conflict resolution, too. Way to screen your applicants, Whiskey River.

Watch your backs until this freak is caught.

By what a piece of crap

November 5, 2009 5:22 AM | Link to this

Get losers like this off the street….What a piece of CRAP! I hope that piece of S*&^% Rots in prison where he needs to BE! My prayers go to the victims family.

By Teri

November 5, 2009 5:50 AM | Link to this

And while the above might be true, it might be a good idea not to sucker punch someone in a bar…….

By sailorboy

November 5, 2009 6:35 AM | Link to this

If you are going to sucker punch someone you better be ready for the consequences of your actions. Two more thugs off the streets!

By Rinny

November 5, 2009 7:01 AM | Link to this

How about none of you know this person and you don’t know what kind of childhood or upbringing he had. No you can’t blame anything on your past but don’t be so quick to judge!

By cw

November 5, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this

OK,you go to a bar,sucker punch a man.ALCOHOL IS THE OFFENDER here.how many people that hangout at a bar here you are not likely to find the best characters.I hope this guy gets his punishment by a jury of his peers,but if you could be honest you know that that will not happen in mesa county.a sucker punch is a cowardly act,but does not mean the man deserved to die for it.now you have a family that has lost a loved one,and a family who probably want see a loved one again.to you who said he should rot in hell,what about the actions of the victim,he passed the first punch,will he rot in hell too?I don’t like the sound of it either way,two young men lost to what?ALCOHOL,does anyone out there care to try and make a difference,I would,to the Martinez family,and the Mbawa family,open your eyes people.

By wow some people

November 5, 2009 7:29 AM | Link to this

sucker punching someone in one thing, but killing someone in the process because they punched you is another. I dont care who you are or how your up bringings were, but killing another human being over something like that is down right cruel. “The victim got to his feet and started walking away, then was punched yet again by the suspect, the affidavit said.” did he have to do it again? or was he trying to live up to his cool bad boy image. Looks like he will be spending time in prision where he can be the victim to the cool badboys in prison… I hope they treat him extra well!

By paticakes

November 5, 2009 7:30 AM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter if you wre sucker punched or not, ther comes a point were you should stop. Mbawa is a piece of crap, and will get his punishment either by by some one off the street, but most especially dios. ROT IN HELL YOUM F** BASTERD!

MY deepest simpathy and prayers to his Beautiful kind hearted mother, sons and familia.

By Disgusted

November 5, 2009 8:26 AM | Link to this

The victim was a family member of mine. My family is still in shock from this horrible and devastating inccident. I am extremly disgusted at SAILORBOY’s comment!! You are an extremly rude and uncompassionate human being!! To make such a careless comment is very irresponsable of you!! Didn’t it ever dawn on you that his family might be reading these comments? I just hope that your family is never faced with such a violent and horrific tragady!!

By susan

November 5, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this

Will the people who watched this beating be arrested too? Why was this guy not cut off from the bartender on his booze? I think it is time to close Quincy’s and get the weirdos off Main street. They will not go into a nice bar so give the “Snowflake” the business.

By Willopad the Merciless

November 5, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

Grand Valley is becoming “Homicide Haven”. Stay off the streets after dark and be very afraid in the changing winds of this town. Even the cops are becoming offenders. GJ’s karma is finally coming around and will haunt it for years to come.

By montana gal

November 5, 2009 9:18 AM | Link to this

oh shut up CW,

By david

November 5, 2009 9:28 AM | Link to this

wonderful, another idiotic post from willowpad. GJ is far from “homicide haven” and there is no citywide karmic retribution due.

Quincy’s is a dive and known scumbag hangout, this comes as no surprise. I’m sure Mbawa will get what he deserves and my condolences to the Martinez family.

By by tino

November 5, 2009 10:47 AM | Link to this

to the martinez family, iam truely sorry that this situation has brought such tragedy, to the family,no matter whos fault it was this should have never happened.i will keep you in my prayers.there will be justice one way or another god bless you and your family

By BrokenHearted

November 5, 2009 11:22 AM | Link to this

Enough is enough ………… I want to know WHY the bouncers that are sitting 2 feet from the door WOULD EVER ALLOW the crowd to go outside ????????? I was there that night and thank god we left before it happened. The bar was not that packed and it was a fun night everyone was having a rip snorting time. I know both people that was involved and let me tell you they both had a heart of gold. You guys can sit here and point fingers at whoever but what we are forgetting is WHY WHY WHY would they allow them both to go outside my gosh people. We are also forgetting that both these people have wonderful familys that are both hurting. I will not sit here and defend what Sahr did because enough was enough once someone is down or walking away thats it. I do want to say this though he did come from a well respected collage educated family so it has nothing to do with the upbringing he knows right from wrong. People also need to wonder why as a bouncer and bartender you would not cut that person off after i mentioned that Sahr needed to be cut off…….. You know why they are not cut off ???????? I havwe a great idea why. Also people i want to say one thing when you add that much booze to a human what do they have left but animal instincts?

By Just don't know

November 5, 2009 11:39 AM | Link to this

I want to comment on this story but cant….. All I want to do is pray for Mr. Martinez and his family. Please god, bless Mr. Martinez soul and guide his family through this horrific part of their lives and offer them the ability to understand that Mr. Martinez is now with you. Thank You God ~ Amen ~

By ochin g

November 5, 2009 11:53 AM | Link to this

Have mercy 4 my friend Sahr and hope that the victim is in heaven. liquor caused this death. Sahr didnt mean 2 kill the victim. Surely justice will be served. I pray I never go 2 another bar in my life. We African Amercians males need 2 stop taking life 4 granted. In the last 2 months I’ve been involved in several fights, all while drunk. How sad how does any of work out 4 the greater good ? I will never 4get about these 2 people.

By Man Up!!

November 5, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this

Mbawa I know you or the persons hiding you are going to read this. Its time for you to man up and take responsibility for your actions. Turn your self in!!! You were man enough to take this guys life, Are you man enough to take the resposibility for it????

By candie

November 5, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

to the martinzes family my husband and i were friends of richards he was a great man he was kind hearted and kept us young ones in line..we have such fond memmories and pictures of the fun times spent with rich and his fiance..my heart goes out to the whole family we will miss u greatley and will cherish the memmories of u! i hope the suspects get wht they deserve and will regret wht they did for the rest of their lives u guys not only took a friend but a husband a father a son and a grand child…drinking is no excusse for the devistation the suspects has put this family through..i hope this is a lesson to all that fighting is not the answer it dosent solve anything..learn to walk away…

By ochin g

November 5, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

It seems 2 me sum people don’t no how 2 be respectful. Sahr was wrong, and he knows it. His life will be lost 2 the system. He hasent gotten awy with anything. Real talk though the victim had no repect 4 Sahr. People In Colorado better start to realize Blacks arent their punching bags or their ni##ers. Sucker punch me and Im breakin yo a* off. I pray 2 God a ni##a hater dont die in the process. Sahr keep yo head up. I cant do the time so I’m gone make it my business not 2 do the crime.And last but not least 2 the haters posting comments showing no love 4 my friend I bet you wont down him 2 his face, ha ha you computer ganstas

By Gay man gone Wild

November 5, 2009 12:27 PM | Link to this

With all the problems Quincy Bar has, I say lets just close the damn bar and move on. Its sad that this happened dont get me wrong, but lets take a closer look as to why the cops werent called when he was ‘sucker punched’. Sounds to me like both the Sahr and Quincy Bar should be held to fault.

By Tink

November 5, 2009 12:46 PM | Link to this

Okay People Yes I see most of you want to blame it on them drinking but no one put a gun to there head that night and told them they have to drink that much they where both grown men and know right from wrong. My Prayers go to both familys . please everyone the lession here is if you choose to drink just know how much you can handle and If you are stressed out because of something that has happen in your life like loseing your job or your home or what ever Dont go out to a bar and think drinking will take it all away because it will bring the worse out of you. Please turn your self in Mbawa and the martinez family please dont do anything that you will regret later.

By Please......

November 5, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this

@ochin g

Please do not make this a race issue!! Richard is a family member of mine and to say that his death is ok is not right. Chicanos get alot of racism too here in Colorado!! What ur friend Sahr did was wrong, and unfortunatly he is gonna have take resposability for what he did.And have a little bit of class, a family is now missing a father,a brother,a nephew,a cousin, a son!! Sahr family still has him alive and breathing!! I do not wish anything bad on Sahr. I am a firm believer in Karma, what u do to others will come back to u 10 times over. But I just want to see if Sahr is a real man and turn himself in to take resposability for all the pain he has caused to our family as well as his own!!

By BrokenHearted

November 5, 2009 12:52 PM | Link to this

Hey Hey Ochin G calm down sweetheart no need to start a intrernet brawl. My family loves Sahr just as much as you he lived with my family here. Sahr is a good man to all who truely knows him but you have to remember these people are upset and hurt just as we are. These people only know Sahr for what he did and it was a horriable no need for crime. It should of never got to this point once a man is down thats it you walk away. I know he didnt set out to kill him and i dont believe anyone is saying that they are just simply upset with the whole situation. So please sweetheart lets not hate lets put all energy it is taking to hate and be mad at someone and put it in prayers for both familys and please let us all pray that Sahr please please do the right thing and turn himself in.

By ochin g

November 5, 2009 1:16 PM | Link to this

Never said his death was okay, dont add words to my comments. Sahr finna do life. His family dont no where there son is I no this 4 a fact. Sucker punches aint cool and hitting a man while he’s walking away was stupid bogus and all of thee above and below. FYI Sahr is gonna turn himself in. Im not stupid though the first time I was ever called a n** was in Colorado, I dont wanna hear no garbage bout mexicans hatin on different mexcians ( your Bad ) Like I said though god’s 2 honest truth you sucker punch me Im breakin yo * off. But real talk I dont wanna fight and I dont wont 2 keep hagin outn in bars. I got 3 kids myself and many times I’ve tookin them 4 granted just like the victim. GOD HELP US ALL p.s. Sahr I hope God Saves you and the victim

By Ron

November 5, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this

I want to first send my sympathy to both families as this has effected both side’s. What I really want is why race ever got brought into these comment’s!it is sad that something like this happen’s and even sadder that someone has to stir a already sore wound by pulling the race card !Way to go that is something to be proud of I for one am sick to death with that crap!!!

By Lizzy

November 5, 2009 1:54 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand why the location is being blamed for this terrible incident. Bars don’t kill people, people kill people. get a life and move on, all of you.

thanks.

By OH PLEASE...

November 5, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

@ochin g

First of all there is a difference in Mexican and Chicano. Just like there is a difference in a African-American and a Kenyan. Second of all, the only thing that I have to go by on Sahr is that he is still on the run and not owning up to what he did, that does not say much about his character. Like I said Karma will take it’s path, but please quit making excuses for ignorance.

By ochin g

November 5, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

Race got brought into it becauseI know the whole story straight from Sahr’s mouth and everything was cool until Sahr fought back, but you no what lets just pretend like everythings peaches and cream.I dont believe in eye 4 an eye and I dont think Sahr was right in any way. To bad the victim cant be charged with assult. God Help us, but I’d be lying if I said I didnt have a problem with people missing the fact the victim put himself and Sahr into a very bad sistuation seeing that it’s a fact that he chose to put his hands on my black brother so once again — Im not sayin im right im just sayin what they both did was wrong. GOD FORGIVE US

By ochin g

November 5, 2009 2:47 PM | Link to this

To mister Oh Please dont come to me with that garbage I dont no nothin bout no Keyan Im a product of the north american slave trade This aint my home and it aint my job to forget what this country did to blacks and dont dare say Obama cause he went to Harvard most My friends end up in the House Of Corrections it crazy how I (yes I said I) got to go threw hell on earth than I Got to worry about an anything but black jesus puttin me in hell I speak for no one but myself

By HA HA

November 5, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

OCHIN G, THAT IS THE TYPICAL SONG OF THE IGNORANT, BLAME IT ON RACE. wHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BEING ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOURSELF. YOU SOUND AS BAD AS THE KKK BLAMING ALL THEIR HARDSHIPS ON AFRICAN-AMERICANS. RIDICULOUS!!

By big john

November 5, 2009 3:12 PM | Link to this

The hole situation os messed up but I really hope that your boy mr ochin g is just caught instaed of gunned down or he turn’s himself in.but then if he goes to prison this time he will not get to hangout around the cop’s like last time I dont if you been there but mexican’s and chicanos run that place.so good luck.remember you can’t repent to people.

By ochin g

November 5, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

ha ha give me a break i bet the victim thought he was billy bad as# TO

By dymk143

November 5, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

Any sane person reading this should realize that violence is never the answer. If the only way to get your point across is with your fists, it’s just not worth it. GJ is loaded with big trucks loaded with testosterone, so that knowledge may fall on death ears.

Mr. Mbawa is a coward, as are his friends trying to defend his actions because of the color of his skin. My sexuality has been insulted many times in GJ, but that doesn’t give me an excuse to murder someone with my fists. Instead of blaming stereotypes, why don’t you do something with yourself to change that stereotype, rather than perpetuate it?

The Quincy should be held liable for what happened in front of their bar. Their idiot woman manager threw a lit cigarette at a paying customer just a couple days before this event, so you can’t blame the patrons for acting as idiotic as the staff! Perhaps the Fire Marshall can do a couple routine inspections on nights where the bar is packed? Or maybe the GJ police could start writing citations for every moron (including their staff) that smokes less than 15’ from the door, as required by law?

My condolences to the victim and to the family’s of both.

By OCEAN 11

November 5, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this

Oching, you said that in ur previous comment that some people don’t know how to be respectful for disrespecting Sahar. Well the only person being direspectful is u to the victims family. If u had a problem with the victim fine, but to talk about him like that after he has already died is disgusting!! PLus why should u speak for the suspect?? Isn’t he man enough to defend himself?? You should not be a hipocrite and be respectful urself. P.S. If u have talked to Sahar and not let the cops know isn’t that harboring a fugitive??

By Ron

November 5, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

hey Ochin you use that n word more fluetly than most white racist’s I have seen your holding yourself down it is easy to place blame on someone else for a person’s misgiving’s but that record is wore out you say you were never called the n word before you came to Colorado the way you sling that word around I find that hard to believe

By big john

November 5, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this

I don’t know why mr ochin lower case g is being so tuff,then you say you don’t want yo fight,then you do then your the suspect lawyer,then your praying then your a gangsta. You remind me alot of that sissy tupac.one minute your smart and holy the next your a good guy tryin to clean up the mess his mouth got him into. relax sahr will get what is comming whether it’s just or unjust.knowing this county it will be unjust.for us who knew Richard,relax the suspect is not white he’ll get caught or if he’s smart turn himself in.That way the cop’s don’t do what they want to him.contact a lawyer then go to the sherrif’s office.no more drama

By Truth

November 5, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

First off! Those defending Mr. Mbawa, do not know the reality of the situation. Richard Martinez, the victim, is the uncle of my two children and I know the real story. Richard was defending a friend that did not want to loan his cell phone to Mbawa. Mbawa, not wanting to accept his refusal, began to get irrate. Whether Richard sucker punched this man remains to be in question, as the staff does not seem to see him as being in the wrong. But the fact is, Richard did what he thought he needed to do in order to defend himself and his friend. I’m not saying that he was right, but it also does no justification for the brutal beating he endured outside of the bar, while walking away. Anybody that knows Richard, knows he is a big man. So the blow to his head that killed him, as stated by the coroner was done with intentional brute force by a blunt object. Which cannot be done by slamming someone into a pole. Therefore, Mbawa’s colleague is not being completely honest. And that only proves that Mbawa had an object in his hand. He knew what he was doing. I do not defend racism. I am not a racist. And many of my friends and FAMILY are of African descent. If anybody wants to call me out on this, my name is Alex Brown. I am known around Grand Junction as, TRUTH. Many people know me, and I am one of the few responsible for establishing the Hip-hop scene in Grand Junction. So come at me as you may. But the truth of the situation needs to be stated. All racism crap needs to be shoved up your —. Mbawa knew what he did, and was not remorseful for it. PERIOD. End of story.

By Truth

November 5, 2009 4:03 PM | Link to this

Oh! And to Mr. Ochin G, I have no fear of saying anything to your buddies face. Why should I? Is he gonna try to kill me too? What weapon do you think he would use this time? Calm your jets Buddy!

By adelle

November 5, 2009 4:06 PM | Link to this

My name is Adelle Lloyd. I am the owner of Quincy Bar.First I would like to exprees my condolence to the Richards family. Richard was a was not only a good freind but a ture pleasure to have as a frquent guest at Quincy Bar. Before you all past jugement on Quincy maybe you should know this. We work 4 security gaurds a night. We have a strict policy about carding and not over serving. I have worked very closly with the Grand Junction Police demartment along with liqour enforcement to ensure this. Perhaps all of you should get the ture facts about what happened that night insted of speculating, as you all past jugement. What I know for fact is this, it did not happen at Quincy Bar, also Quicy bar closed Tuesday night out of respect for the Richard’s family, Not because we are quility of any wrong doing. I ask that you pray for the Richard’s family and that If you would like to contrubuite anything to the family ,a fund is being set up at Quincy bar. Respectivily:
Adelle Bonatti Lloyd

By ochin G

November 5, 2009 4:16 PM | Link to this

If I knew where Sahr was right now I would removem myself from his presence thats directed to the rat that said ( aint that harboring a fugitive) I dont commit crimes cause as I said I cant do The time so get ya mind right. No one got a problem hating on Sahr but I’m just the Devil in the flesh for understanding that it takes two to tangol give me a break. Thank for the Tupac remark. sorry two the family of the victim but as I said it takes two to tangol. I hope to God I stay away from drunks and booze . It’s kind of sad theres a liquor store on every other block in my hood. Sorry if Im bogus Sorry that Sahr was a jerk but any way to any one out there that wants to play in reality STOP BUYING THE DEVILS LIQUOR it KILLINGS OUR COMMUNITY BLACK WHITE YELLOW and RED

By Ron

November 5, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this

Thank you Alex Your word’s are that of truth and I stand with you, all this racism crap need’s to stop!!!

By DIDDY

November 5, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

CANT WE ALL JUST GET ALONG!

By j

November 5, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this

Just to clear up the question wether Richard sucker punched Sahr, well I was standing right there in the bar where the fight broke out and Richard did not lay a hand on the Sahr or attempt to in the bar. However there was another man that did get into an altercation with Sahr. I know for a fact Richard did not sucker punch or fight with Sahr at all inside the bar.

By montana gal

November 5, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this

I knew Richie M. I will miss him, What a gentel, kind person, sad here My prayers go to his lady and child, and his family. R.I.P. Richard god bless!!!

By Jack

November 5, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this

By ochin g

To mister Oh Please dont come to me with that garbage I dont no nothin bout no Keyan Im a product of the north american slave trade This aint my home and it aint my job to forget what this country did to blacks and dont dare say Obama cause he went to Harvard most My friends end up in the House Of Corrections it crazy how I (yes I said I) got to go threw hell on earth than I Got to worry about an anything but black jesus puttin me in hell I speak for no one but myself

IF THIS “AINT” YOUR HOME THEN WHY R U HERE? DO US ALL A FAVOR AND FIND A HOME, IN WHATEVER COUNTRY THAT MAY BE! AND U SHOULD TRY TALKING ALL THAT SMACK TO FACE OF THE VICTIM’S FAMILY!

ALEX BROWN, I LOVE UR POST! WELL SAID!!

By oh really

November 5, 2009 9:10 PM | Link to this

to susan the so fake (snow flake) is a dump and needs to be shut down oh yes it is shame on the bar tenders and owner of the snow flake loser place!!!!!!

By just say what

November 5, 2009 9:15 PM | Link to this

Well I think the bar should shut down for awhile til this gets resolved!!! the owner needs to be hold accountable!!!! can’t have this happen more times!!!

By tisha martinez

November 6, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

rip richard martinez who was a long time friend and now full time angel sending my condolence to mom and sisters, kids, and family and friends. “RIP RICHARD MARTINEZ”

By TG

November 6, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

RIP Richard you will be missed by many. You have touched a lot of people.

By C

November 6, 2009 10:06 AM | Link to this

Hold the BAR and it’s owner accountable? Why? What ever happened to people being held accountable for THEIR OWN ACTIONS?? That seems to be he easy way out of everything, point the blame elsewhere. It is time to step up and take blame instead of place blame. My heart goes out to Richard’s family. This is a tragedy indeed.

By TT

November 6, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

As a long-time friend of Richard, I feel the pain for everyone in his family…Melanie, Gabriel, and Matthew especially. Richard was a big ‘ol teddy bear. Yeah he looked tough, but was as kind as could be.

@ocho: Child Please! Cut the BS and leave the country…if you are so persecuted. If you Live like a criminal, You’ll be treated like one. Otherwise, tell your murdering friend to turn himself in before we find him.

By c

November 6, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

Funny this is about race. A MAN IS DEAD AND HE HAD A FAMILY. You people are talking about violence?! Are you freaking kidding me? VIOLENCE IS WHY A MAN IS DEAD. Amazing whites are the racist, yet this racist talk is between 2 other races. Why doesn’t everyone get a grip and worry more about wtf is going on in our town! People are killing eachother left and right! I have children, it is only a matter of time before someone slips and kills ANOTHER innocent victim. GROW UP ALL OF YOU

By lackdog

November 6, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this

to the man saying he a product of north american slave my great grandfathers fought the civil war to end slave so dont dare spread hate with me.It’s your choice to be an idoit talking trash how bad your life is i know few great black people they chose to suceed in life while you trash your blame yourself here something to think about ALL CHIOCES INVOVLED A COST!

By priscilla

November 9, 2009 3:15 PM | Link to this

Anna to my good friend and I’M SO SORRY I feel for you and I will keep you and my prayers. I know your pain is so great. I know I will always keep you in my heart. I know God has a plan and I know I will keep in touch. I am so so Sorry may God strenghen you Love you and God bless Keep in touch.

By pat bell

November 13, 2009 8:12 AM | Link to this

The issue of them working at Whiskey River as bouncers says it all. One can only imagine the havoc they caused there with customers. If you have information concerning thier behavior please let the authorities know. His arrest record clearly shows his violent side.