Wal-Mart Employees Charged in Suspected Shoplifter's Death

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Authorities say three Florida Wal-Mart employees have been charged in the death of a suspected shoplifter.

The Ledger reports that 35-year-old Nathan Allen Higgins, 23-year-old Crucelis Nunez and 58-year-old Randall Eugene Tomko were arrested Thursday and charged with manslaughter.

An autopsy showed that 64-year-old Kenneth E. Wisham died from mechanical asphyxiation while being restrained during a Feb. 7 struggle outside a Lakeland Wal-Mart. The exam showed that Wisham suffered 15 broken ribs.

Wal-Mart spokesman Charles Crowson said in an email that the employees have been suspended and their employment is under review. He says the company will continue to work with law enforcement officials.

Jail records didn't list attorneys for the Wal-Mart workers.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read more
f

We and our partners use cookies to understand how you use our site, improve your experience and serve you personalized content and advertising. Read about how we use cookies in our cookie policy and how you can control them by clicking Manage Settings. By continuing to use this site, you accept these cookies.