SMITHVILLE – A Smithville man’s death after a bar fight last weekend has been ruled a homicide, according to the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office.
Chance E. Howey, 31, was pronounced dead at Wilson Memorial in Johnson City early Monday morning. Police said about 24 hours before his death, he was involved in a fight outside Seeber’s Tavern in the Town of Smithville.
Police said the victim’s family members called 911 after Mr. Howey fell unconscious at around 1 p.m. Sunday and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
Lt. Richard Cobb said witnesses told investigators the victim was involved in an unarmed physical altercation at about 1 a.m. Sunday.
Sheriff Ernest R. Cutting Jr. said a preliminary autopsy report by the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office Wednesday determined the manner of death to be homicide.
“The chief medical examiner has ruled Mr. Howey’s death as a homicide. The cause of death was determined to be a brain injury caused during the physical altercation that occurred outside Seeber’s Tavern on Jan. 30. The brain injury was caused by a blow to the victim’s head consistent with being punched,” the press release stated.
Cutting said witnesses also reported Mr. Howey was drinking at Seeber’s before getting into a fight outside the bar. Following the altercation, police said Mr. Howey was taken home by his father and went to bed.
Cobb said family members had reported Mr. Howey was complaining of “headaches” and “had difficulty breathing” the morning after the fight.
The Sheriff’s Office has not identified the other man involved in the fight, but said he had acquired an attorney and was also a Smithville resident.
Cobb also pointed out that although the death was considered a homicide under New York State Penal law, it didn’t automatically imply a crime had taken place. He said New York State currently has five classifications for manner of death: Suicide, homicide, accidental, natural and undetermined.
Cobb used this example to explain the difference between an accidental death and homicide: “If you slip on the steps and hit your head, that’s an accidental death. If someone intentionally punches you, that’s not by accident. The resulting death might have been accidental but the punch wasn’t an accident,” he explained. “Basically it’s whenever someone else’s actions are directly related to the death of another person, intentional or not.”
No charges have been filed in the incident, but Cutting said police were working closely with Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride to determine any possible charges.
Cutting explained the specific circumstances of the fight and any contributing health issues would be factors in considering criminal charges.
The sheriff’s investigation is continuing and anyone with information is being asked to call 337-1970 or 337-1924 or visit www.chenangosheriff.us and click on the “Crime Tip” link. Any information received will be kept confidential.