Witnesses reported seeing Ricardo Portillo give the accused a yellow card during the game. The teen then punched Portillo from behind. Portillo was complaining about pain in his face and back, then began to spit up blood. He was transported to the hospital where he died of a subarachnoid hemorrhage and traumatic brain injury.
At this point it is unclear whether or not the teen will be charged as an adult. Utah law allows persons under 18 to be charged as adults in the cases of certain aggravating crimes such as murder, robbery, or sexual assault.
If convicted as an adult, the charge of third-degree felony homicide by assault carries a maximum of five years in prison… a length of time some feel is too short based on what the accused is charged with doing.
Whether or not the teen in convicted, this is a prime example of how sometimes spontaneous, emotional reactions can have devastating, unintended consequences. Did this teen intend to end the life of Portillo… no… but I doubt that is much comfort to his family.
Thoughts?