Medical Examiner Rules Manner of Death In Whataburger Fight
By Amy Bearden/ Mineral Wells Area News
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner has ruled the manner of death of a Mineral Wells man who died this week following a December 18 altercation outside of Whataburger. The victim had been in a Ft Worth ICU since the fight took place, but passed away on December 27. Two men have been charged in the late night incident.
According to the autopsy report listed on the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s website, 60-year-old Doug Warren’s manner of death is listed as a homicide and the cause of death was “complications of blunt force injuries.”
Ryan Hill and Ryan “Tanner” Woodring, both of Mineral Wells, have been charged in the incident. Hill, 31, is charged with Aggravated Assault Causing Bodily Harm and was released on a $75,000 bond. Woodring, who is 30, is charged with Assault and was released on a $5,000 bond. Both men were released before Warren died.
The Mineral Wells Police Department indicated upon Warren’s death that they would await the autopsy results before proceeding with anymore possible charges.
“Once the police department receives the results, we will consult with the Palo Pinto County District Attorney’s Office regarding any change or upgrade in charges,” stated Lieutenant Darby Thomas in a press release earlier this week.
Those initial findings were made public today.
MWPD Press Release:
“The Mineral Wells Police Department is aware of the Medical Examiner’s findings from the autopsy of Douglas Warren, 61 of Mineral Wells. I have spoke with the Medical Examiner’s Office and they will provide the full autopsy report when it is completed. We are still in contact with the District Attorney’s Office and the family has been contacted,” said Lt. Darby Thomas.
According to Palo Pinto County District Attorney Kriste Burnett, her office has not received the case from the MWPD and don’t expect too anytime soon, as the investigation is still being conducted.
“To my knowledge they are still conducting their investigation. Any decision regarding any changes of charges would be dependent on a review of all the evidence, including the results of the autopsy and a review of the medical records of the victim from his treatment after the altercation. It is not unusual for it to take 8-12 weeks for the investigating agency to get a final autopsy report. My office should only get any cases filed with us after the investigation is complete,” said Burnett.
Warren’s family says they have begun to make arrangements for his burial.
“We are in the process of setting up arrangements and do not have a time or day yet, but we still are raising funds for the services,” said Warren’s niece, Amanda McDonald.
A Go Fund Me has been set up to help funeral costs for the family. You can contribute to Warren’s funeral by clicking the link here. Services will be with White’s Funeral Home.
MWAN spoke with the victim’s daughter, Stephanie Warren, who is the mother to Doug’s 8-year-old grandson Benni, “his pride and joy” and says she is overwhelmed from the support from the community.
“I knew my dad knew lots of people and lots of people loved him, but I didn’t know the extent of that until now. And I am thankful for the people that are helping me out. Mostly I hope the men involved take responsibility for their actions,” said Warren.
According to McDonald, a benefit for her uncle Doug Warren will be held at Nita Beer on January 7 where Warren loved to play pool.
