LAS VEGAS, July 9 (UPI) -- A Florida tourist is facing murder charges after the Utah man he allegedly punched in a Las Vegas casino died from his injuries, officials said.
Police charged Benjamin Hawkins, 37, of Gainesville, Fla., with murder in the death of Roy, Utah, resident John Massie, 46, KTNV-TV of Las Vegas reported.
In his arrest warrant, Hawkins, a teacher and coach, told police Massie made racially motivated comments in the restroom of O'Shea's Casino Wednesday.
The incident continued on the gambling floor and Hawkins allegedly punched Massie in the left side of the face; Massie fell to the floor and died a short time later at Desert Springs Hospital.
KVVU-TV of Las Vegas said Hawkins was charged in the death after the Clark County coroner ruled out other causes of death.
Hawkins' sister, Cilitia Brown, said by telephone from Gainesville something doesn't add up.
"He's a good guy. He's worked hard to get where he is in life. How would you feel? Put yourself in his place," Brown said, describing her brother as a level-headed man who avoids confrontation.
"People who know Ben know, this is not, he would not just hit anybody because somebody says black man in a yellow shirt. That's something he wouldn't even pay attention to. He would keep on walking," Brown said.
