Stillwater Man Charged with Murder, Manslaughter after Downtown Bar Fight

A 22-year-old Stillwater man was charged by the Washington County Attorney’s Office Friday with homicide in relation to the death of Adam McCloud.

Eric Kaprice Richard, of Stillwater, faces second-degree unintentional murder during the commission of a felony and manslaughter charges stemming from the Sept. 28, fight with McCloud, 29, of Stillwater, at Smalley’s Caribbean Barbeque and Pirate Bar in downtown Stillwater.

The complaint alleges that Richard and McCloud argued over a spilled drink, and that Richard was seen to have repeatedly punched McCloud in the face and head, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground.

Richard told police he was acting in self-defense after being pushed by McCloud several times.

His bail was set at $200,000.

According to the complaint:

Video surveillance shows the two men were on the bar's dance floor when McCloud knocked a drink out of Richard’s hand.

The two men had a conversation, and then left the dance floor—when they came back on the dance floor Richard had another drink in his hand.

After that, the two men appeared to have been “interacting in a friendly manner,” dancing together and talking with others on the dance floor, the complaint states.

But shortly after the lights went on at bar close, McCloud was seen on video making a pushing motion, a man then grabbed McCloud and walked him away from the confrontation when Richard “rapidly came into camera range” and landed at least two punches, knocking McCloud to the ground.

The man who was seen on video walking McCloud away reportedly told police an argument took place after McCloud agreed to replace the drink, but refused to pay for it.

The witness told police the two men had words; McCloud pushed Richard, and Richard responded in self-defense by punching McCloud.

Richard told police that he and McCloud had gotten into an argument—and after McCloud pushed him at least four times, he felt he was being assaulted and punched McCloud in self-defense.

Richard told police McCloud then fell to the ground. He was then removed from the bar.

RELATED: County Attorney Has Until Friday to Make Charging Decision in Smalley's Bar Fight

Family: Adam McCloud's 'Fight is Over'

UPDATED: Stillwater Man Remains Critical after Assault at Pirate Bar

As a result of the fight, McCloud suffered several skull fractures and intracranial bleeding causing respiratory failure and, ultimately, his death on Oct. 4.

“That a death was caused over such a trivial thing as this is so tragic as to be beyond belief,” Orput said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to this young victim’s family with the message that our office will do all that we can to bring justice to them.”