Bar Manager Killed After Patron Throws A Single Punch: Police

SANTA MONICA, CA — A Venice man is being held on $2 million bail after being accused of killing the manager of a Santa Monica bar with a single punch after the manager asked him to leave the establishment, according to the Santa Monica Police Department.

The incident occurred just after midnight Tuesday outside Jameson's Pub on the 2700 block of Main Street when the bar's manager asked several patrons to leave. A fight broke out outside where one of the patrons punched the manager, knocking him unconscious, according to police.

When officers arrived on the scene, the manager was not breathing. They began administering CPR until the Santa Monica Fire Department arrived and took over lifesaving measures, police said.

The victim was transported to a local hospital where he ultimately died from his injuries. Police did not specify the exact nature of his injuries.

All three patrons involved in the incident were initially arrested and booked the Santa Monica Jail. Following an investigation, police identified one man responsible for punching the victim: Leonard Hector Korpie, 26, according to police.

Lt. Erika Aklufi confirmed to Patch that Korpie punched the manager one time and there was no violence leading up to that assault.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Thursday filed a homicide charge against Korpie. He's being held on $2 million bail, according to police.