A man who was found with critical injuries after an apparent fight in Carpinteria over the weekend has died, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.
Eric Romero, 32, of Carpinteria was taken to the hospital early on the morning of July 20. At about 9 p.m. on July 23, he was taken off of life support.
The assault reportedly happened Saturday morning in the 4900 block of 9th Street.
Sheriff’s officials say investigators later identified the suspect as Scott Robert Fleming, 29, of Carpinteria and he was arrested on Monday.
Fleming was booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of battery causing serious bodily injury and assault with great bodily injury. Because Romero has since succumbed to his injuries, sheriff’s detectives say they plan to request Fleming be charged with voluntary manslaughter.
Sheriff’s officials say their investigation into this incident is continuing and they’re asking anyone with information about this case to call (805) 683-272 or send in an anonymous tip via the sheriff’s website.
