A man suspected of a fatal beating outside a downtown Grand Junction bar was heard minutes later at a local gas station saying he might have killed a man, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
“I beat his ass, 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.
“The male stated he was sucker punched but that he got the male,” the affidavit said.
It alleges that Mbawa and a second man are seen on video surveillance at the store shortly after the beating outside Quincy Bar, 609 Main St., that killed 32-year-old Richard Lee Martinez.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, Mbawa was still wanted on suspicion of second-degree murder and first-degree assault. Bond has been set at $300,000.
Martinez was pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Hospital just after 2 a.m. Tuesday. Witnesses described Martinez repeatedly being punched and kicked following an incident inside Quincy Bar.
An autopsy showed Martinez died of blunt-force trauma to the head and neck.
A friend of Mbawa’s told a Grand Junction police detective the incident started after Martinez sucker-punched Mbawa inside the bar, according to the affidavit.
All involved then left the bar.
“Sahr banged Richie’s head against a pole and then knocked Richie down,” Mbawa’s friend told a detective. “Sahr then kicked Richie in the face.”
The friend said he and Mbawa then left together in a car and stopped at a Clifton gas station.
Mbawa and his friend were employed as bouncers at Whiskey River Bar.
The affidavit said Martinez’s assault was witnessed by at least two others, including a taxi cab driver who told detectives she stopped on Main Street in an attempt to intervene in the brawl.
“(Driver) said the black male threw a second punch that hit (Martinez) in the face, and the victim fell to the ground,” the affidavit said. “(Driver) said the victim hit the pedestrian crosswalk sign with his head when he fell.”
Martinez, while clutching the sign, was kicked twice in the abdomen, the affidavit said.
The victim got to his feet and started walking away, then was punched yet again by the suspect, the affidavit said.
“... The third punch laid him out, and he did not get up again,” the affidavit said.
Email PAUL SHOCKLEY
Comments
By pat bell
Nov 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.
By priscilla
Nov 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 lackdog
Nov 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 c
Nov 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 TT
Nov 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
Nov 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 TG
Nov 6, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this
RIP Richard you will be missed by many. You have touched a lot of people.
By tisha martinez
Nov 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 just say what
Nov 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 oh really
Nov 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!!!!!!
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