A man from Hanover has been charged with third-degree murder in connection with a fatal bar fight, according to the police in York County, Pennsylvania (WHP).
According to an affidavit, Aaron Wright, a 34-year-old man, allegedly threw a punch inside Hanover bar The Circle, resulting in the death of another individual in March 2023.
On Tuesday, the Hanover Borough Police Department pressed charges against Wright.
On the night of March 15, 2023, Wright reportedly found himself standing at the bar alongside another man, identified by police as “SB”. It was during this moment that a third individual approached them, getting uncomfortably close to Wright.
According to Wright, he informed the police that the man had accidentally bumped into him from behind, causing him to almost fall off his stool.
During the interview with investigators, “SB” mentioned that Wright was visibly upset by the incident, prompting him to extend an offer to buy him a drink.
While waiting for their drink, “SB” and Wright found themselves confronted by the man once again. Sensing the need to protect Wright, “SB” politely requested the man to give them some space. However, instead of understanding their request, the man grew increasingly agitated and forcefully pushed “SB” against the bar.
During the police interview, Wright mentioned that the man was on the verge of throwing a punch at “SB” after shoving him. It was at this moment that Wright intervened and threw the first punch.
The man was struck with such force that he lost consciousness and tumbled to the ground.
According to the charging documents, the police stated that Wright was seen standing calmly with his hands in his pockets, awaiting their arrival, after delivering the punch.
Wright explained to the officers that he acted in self-defense out of concern for his own safety. He feared that he might be pushed to the ground when the man approached him aggressively. Additionally, Wright disclosed that he had a medical condition that made him vulnerable to fatal consequences from a punch or blow to the chest.
After regaining consciousness, the man declined medical assistance and his companions drove him back to his residence, according to the police.
The man was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
The investigation determined that he died from a severe brain injury, and the authorities classified his death as a homicide.
Another doctor, after reviewing the case, determined that Wright’s punch initiated a chain of events that ultimately resulted in the man’s death, as confirmed by the York County District Attorney’s Office.
Wright faces charges of third-degree murder and aggravated assault, filed against him on December 31, 2024. Currently, he is being held without bail at the York County Prison.
The preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 28.