A Canadian airman who was working in Panama, Fla., has died after being attacked at his home.
Master Cpl. Martin Brayman was seconded to the U.S. Air Force at Tyndall Air Force Base as an aerospace control operator.
Police said the 33-year-old was attacked outside his home Sunday and was rushed to hospital. He died Monday morning of severe injuries after being taken off life support.
Officers arrested and charged 23-year-old Justin Timmons of Tallahassee, Fla., later Tuesday.
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Officials from the Royal Canadian Air Force said the Bay County Sheriff’s Office had made an arrest, but few details were provided.
“The CAF continues to support them during this difficult time,” National Defence spokesperson Daniel Le Bouthillier said in an email. “Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends.”
Bay County officials gave a more in-depth account of the incident, saying Brayman met a group of people — including Timmons — at a nightclub and invited them to his home.
“Once at the home, Brayman’s girlfriend and roommate became uncomfortable with the new group and the group was asked to leave. Brayman apologized and told the group they would get together later,” a statement from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office read.
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The statement says the group returned to the house when they realized they didn’t have Brayman’s contact info.
While one person was talking to Brayman outside his house, another man exited the car and walked up to Brayman and assaulted him around 9:40 p.m. Sunday. The group drove off and police and EMS were called to the scene.
Officials said Brayman was hit multiple times and died of a serious head wound.
After co-ordinating with other departments, including the Tallahassee Police Department, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Timmons.
— with files from Mercedes Stephenson
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