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Suspect charged in fatal punch at dog park in South Philadelphia

Published  January 10, 2019 5:45pm EST
U.S.
FOX 29 Philadelphia

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Matthew Oropeza, 24, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and related charges after police say he punched and killed Drew Justice at Gold Star Park on Jan 5.

Oropeza turned himself into authorities Thursday morning.

MORE: Medical examiner's office rules dog walker's death a homicide

Police say Justice, 38, and his fiancee were walking their dog at the South Philadelphia park when Justice asked Oropeza not to let his unleashed dog run free.

According to police, Oropeza became angry and punched Justice in the face, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the ground.

MORE: Dispute between dog walkers in South Philadelphia park ends with punch, fatal injury

Justice was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office ruled Justice's death a homicide due to blunt impact trauma.