St. Paul bar customer dies after security guard’s punch; charges filed
A St. Paul bar customer, 33-year-old Melvin A. Martinez Altamirano of Madison, Wisconsin, has died after suffering a devastating brain bleed following a punch by 28-year-old security guard Jose Eucario Conejo Marquez of North St. Paul, with surveillance video showing Marquez step between the couple and strike Altamirano in the parking lot as pepper spray was deployed. Marquez was arrested Sunday night, remains in custody at the Ramsey County Jail, and has been formally charged with one count of first-degree manslaughter.
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📌 Key Facts
- The bar customer who had been hospitalized with life-threatening injuries died Monday night; the update was reported Oct. 7, 2025.
- Prosecutors have filed formal charges against the security guard: one count of first-degree manslaughter.
- The defendant is identified as 28-year-old Jose Eucario Conejo Marquez of North St. Paul; he was arrested Sunday night and remains in custody at the Ramsey County Jail.
- The victim is identified as 33-year-old Melvin A. Martinez Altamirano of Madison, Wisconsin.
- Surveillance video and a Ramsey County criminal complaint show Marquez stepping between a couple and punching Altamirano in the bar parking lot.
- Pepper spray was deployed during the altercation.
- Authorities say the victim suffered a 'devastating brain bleed' from the assault and later died.
📰 Sources (3)
St. Paul security guard charged after punching bar customer who later dies
New information:
- Identifies the defendant as 28-year-old Jose Eucario Conejo Marquez of North St. Paul.
- Identifies the victim as 33-year-old Melvin A. Martinez Altamirano of Madison, Wisconsin.
- Specifies the criminal charge: one count of first-degree manslaughter.
- Describes surveillance video showing Marquez stepping between the couple and punching Altamirano in the parking lot.
- Reports that pepper spray was deployed during the altercation and that the victim suffered a 'devastating brain bleed' and died Monday night.
- Notes Marquez was arrested Sunday night and remains in custody at Ramsey County Jail.
- Sources reporting are identified as a Ramsey County criminal complaint and Fox 9 reporting.
Charges: St. Paul bar customer dies after security guard’s punch
New information:
- The bar customer previously reported with life-threatening injuries has died (update to prior hospitalization).
- Prosecutors or police have filed formal charges against the bar employee/security guard (update from earlier 'arrested on suspicion').
- The update was reported on Oct. 7, 2025 (article date in URL).