A tragic incident unfolded in Scottsdale, Arizona, when a soon-to-be father was fatally injured in a brawl outside a local bar. The incident took place in the early hours of October 11, when 29-year-old Thomas John Pizzitola, affectionately known as TJ, was discovered unconscious on a sidewalk near Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge.
Pizzitola and two of his friends were reportedly removed from the bar due to disruptive behavior. The situation escalated when one of Pizzitola’s friends allegedly bumped into a woman, leading to a fight involving Pizzitola’s group and five other individuals.
During the ensuing altercation, 24-year-old Drew Meneses is accused of throwing a punch that resulted in a fatal brain injury for Pizzitola. According to police, Pizzitola was hit in the head and immediately fell to the ground. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Five individuals, including Meneses, Julia Husser, 27; Krista Molina, 27; Tony Becker, 26; and Mark Whitford, 23, were arrested last Wednesday in relation to the deadly brawl. Meneses is currently facing second-degree murder charges, while the others have been charged with various assault-related offenses.
Pizzitola’s wife, Krisan, is expecting their first child in the coming weeks. A GoFundMe page set up for the family reveals that Pizzitola had texted his wife shortly before the incident, expressing his pride in her. Krisan learned of her husband’s critical condition around 3:30 a.m., which led her to rush to the hospital.
Krisan remembered her husband as a man who aspired to be the best father and husband. Despite the tragic circumstances, Pizzitola’s family shared that he was able to save five lives through organ donation.
During a court hearing, Meneses claimed he was having a “bad night” when he allegedly delivered the fatal punch. He is currently being held on $1 million bail. The GoFundMe page for Krisan Pizzitola and their unborn child has raised over $76,000 of its $85,000 goal as of Tuesday evening.