Crime & Safety
Eric Richard Pleads Guilty to Assault Charge Resulting from Fatal Bar Fight
A 23-year-old Stillwater man pleaded guilty to assault today in relation to an incident at Smalley's Caribbean Barbeque.
Eric Richard pleaded guilty in Washington County Court today to first-degree assault in relation to the death of Adam McCloud.
His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 10.
"Our family still continues to ache for Adam every day," Larry Odebrecht said Monday afternoon. "We're glad that Mr. Richard has started to own up to the actions he took that led to Adam's death, and our heat goes out to his family which were also victims of this senseless act of violence. Our hope is that others will learn from this tragedy and think before they throw a punch."Richard, 23, of Stillwater, was initially charged with second-degree murder, but the Washington County Attorney’s Office dismissed that charge after the medical examiner could not rule McCloud's death a homicide because he fell in the hospital while being treated for his head injuries.
The charges were then amended to first-degree assault.
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After McCloud went through the intensive care unit at Regions Hospital, “he apparently rolled out of his hospital bed and landed on his head again," Washington County Attorney Pete Orput has said.
The complaint alleges that Richard and McCloud argued over a spilled drink, and that Richard was seen repeatedly punching McCloud in the face and head, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground.
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According to the complaint, McCloud suffered several skull fractures and intracranial bleeding causing respiratory failure and, ultimately, his death on Oct. 4, 2012.
Odebrecht said Adam's family will continue to do good in his name.
"We will again be doing a fundraiser for Toys for Tots in December," he said, "and hope to have another concert with the Dweeb's to benefit the company that helped Adam donate 7 organs (all of which were received well by the recipients who are still alive today.
RELATED: Prosecutors Dismiss Murder Charges Stemming from Bar Fight in Downtown Stillwater
County Attorney Has Until Friday to Make Charging Decision in Smalley's Bar Fight
Eric Richard Pleads Not Guilty
Family: Adam McCloud's 'Fight is Over'
UPDATED: Stillwater Man Remains Critical after Assault at Pirate Bar
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