The trial of former amateur MMA fighter Ross Allen Johnson is now underway in Florida following the 2023 death of Dayvon Larry outside the Coyote Ugly Saloon in Panama City Beach.
Johnson, now 26, is facing manslaughter and aggravated battery charges after prosecutors say a single punch during a late-night altercation led to Larry’s death.
What Happened Outside Coyote Ugly Saloon?
According to investigators, multiple fights broke out inside the bar before the chaos spilled into the parking lot during spring break weekend in April 2023.
Authorities say surveillance footage shows Johnson jumping over a patio fence and sprinting toward the fight after seeing one of his friends involved in the confrontation.
Police allege Johnson then struck Larry behind the ear with a closed fist while Larry was running across the parking lot.
Investigators say Larry immediately collapsed onto the pavement.
Rather than stopping to help, prosecutors claim Johnson continued toward the larger fight before eventually leaving the scene and taking an Uber to a nearby hotel.
Who Was Dayvon Larry?
Larry was a 31-year-old airman stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base.
Reports from investigators stated Larry may not have been directly involved in the original fights that started inside the bar. Authorities believe he may have been attempting to help someone he knew when the punch occurred.
Larry later died after being transported to a local hospital.
What Did the Autopsy Reveal?
Court records state the autopsy found severe trauma behind Larry’s left ear, including a large hematoma described as “softball-sized” and a skull fracture measuring approximately three inches.
Prosecutors argue the injuries were caused by the strike delivered by Johnson during the confrontation.
What Did Ross Johnson Tell Police?
Investigators said Johnson changed his story multiple times during questioning.
According to court documents, Johnson initially claimed he pushed Larry before later admitting he struck him. Authorities also said Johnson changed details about which hand he used during the punch.
Johnson reportedly told officers he had roughly three years of advanced MMA training and an amateur fighting record of five wins and two losses.
The defense has argued Johnson acted in self-defense after allegedly seeing Larry holding an empty bottle “like a weapon,” but the court denied a motion to dismiss the case.
What Happens Next?
Jury selection began this week in Bay County, Florida, with opening statements and witness testimony expected to continue over the next several days.
The case has drawn attention due to Johnson’s amateur MMA background and the prosecution’s argument that a single strike during a crowded fight turned fatal.
If convicted, Johnson could face significant prison time under Florida law.
