Crime & Safety
Fenton Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Holly Bar Death
Police say Evan James Wells punched Highland's Ronald Smith, who fell and hit his head on the cement at a Holly bar and died three days later.
Fenton resident Evan James Wells has pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges in Oakland County Circuit Court and also to being a Habitual Fourth Offender.
Sentencing will take place at Oakland County Circuit Court at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 26. Wells is held at Oakland County Jail pending sentencing.
Police responded to a call from Martini’s Bar & Grill in the Village of Holly for an assault complaint on Friday, Oct. 12. Officers arrived and found a 43-year-old Highland man lying unconscious outside the bar, according to Holly police.
Find out what's happening in Fentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Rescue crews transported the victim, who police have identified as Ronald Smith, 43, of Highland, to Genesys Regional Medical Center, where he never regained consciousness and was according to police.
Police say Wells punched the victim in the face during an altercation, causing Smith to fall backward and slam his head on the cement, resulting in a severe brain injury.
Find out what's happening in Fentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.