The Los Angeles Times reports that a key witness in the beating case of Bryan Stow died suddenly Sunday, apparently of an allergic food reaction.
Law enforcement sources told the Times that Matthew Lee died after eating a salad that apparently contained nuts. The coroner’s office has not released a cause of death, however.
Lee is said to have been an important witness in the case against Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood, who are accused of beating Stow into a coma after a March 31 Dodgers-Giants game at Dodger Stadium. Lee was one of the friends that attended the contest with Stow.
Sanchez and Norwood made their first court appearances Monday, but their arraignments were postponed until Aug. 10. Police sources informed the Times that evidence against the duo includes cellphone records and photos. Also, Sanchez’s sister, who also happens to be Norwood’s long-term girlfriend, has implicated the two.