Coroner Rules Davis Picnic Day Death A Homicide But DA Won't Press Charges
DAVIS (CBS13) – The Yolo County coroner says the death of a former UC Davis student who died during a Picnic Day celebration was a homicide. However, the District Attorney will not be pressing charges.
Former UC Davis baseball player Scott Heinig, 22, fell and hit his head during a late night party during this year's Picnic Day celebration in April. He died the next day.
According to the District Attorney Heinig had been drinking at a small party with friends. Heinig and several friends were in the driveway when Heinig began insisting that one of friends punch him in the face. Apparently, this was a common "game" between Heinig and his friends. When Heinig's friends refused, he apparently punched one of them in the face twice. That friend then hit Heinig once. Heinig then fell and hit his head on the driveway.
An autopsy revealed that the punch Heinig took caused an artery in his neck to rupture. The coroner says that type of injury is rare and unusual.
HUNDREDS ATTEND MEMORIAL FOR SCOTT HEINIG
The coroner ruled the death a homicide, as it was caused by human hands. However, the Yolo County District Attorney's officer says the case does not meet the legal definition of murder or manslaughter.
The District Attorney's office came to the conclusion that Heinig's death was the result of accident or misfortune . The District Attorney calls Heinig's death a sad tragedy.
