TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Police have made an arrest in the death of a man who died earlier this week after being punched on the sidewalk in the 1700 block of 7th Avenue, the main drag in Ybor City.
- Family identified victim as Dyante Neal, 25
- Incident occurred on Sept. 26; Neal died 6 days later
- More Hillsborough County stories
Police said the victim, who family members have identified as Dyante Neal, 25, was approached by a man on the sidewalk in the early morning hours of Sept. 26.
Video of the encounter showed the man arguing with Neal. Police said the victim appeared to be trying to avoid the other man, and it's unclear what prompted the argument.
Then a third man, later identified by police as Justin Jasper, 32, approached Neal and, apparently without provocation, punched him.
Neal fell and hit his head on the pavement. He died six days later from his injuries.
Neal's mother, Dionne Neal, said he was a stand-out high school athlete who was planning to go to college and become a PE teacher and coach.
"He was a gentle spirit with a great sense of humor," she said. "He loved to joke, but I mean for a boy my son had never had a fight that I'm aware of."
She said the family just moved to Tampa a year ago.
"Never in a million years did I think my son, who was never involved in any type of drugs, gangs or anything like that, would meet his demise in Ybor City," she said. "I still have not been able to go into his room, to even turn his doorknob."
She said the only comfort she has now is that her son had signed up to be an organ donor.
"I'm so proud of him for saving other lives," she said. "Through this, he is still a hero to me."
Jasper is being charged with manslaughter. Bond is set at $250,000.