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Charges raised against Nashville security guard in Tin Roof assault case

Charges raised against Nashville security guard in Tin Roof assault case

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Charges have been upgraded against a Tin Roof security guard. Richard Cornelius is now charged with aggravated assault causing death in the death of 26-year-old Austin Turner.

NewsChannel 5 has stayed in touch with his family as the case works its way through the justice system.

The Turner family says there is no punishment to make up for what happened outside the Tin Roof. They know it has affected so many people. Austin Turner died after getting into an altercation with 36-year-old Tin Roof security guard Richard Cornelius on Demonbreun earlier this year.

Austin suffered a fractured skull as a result of the fight and his family took him off life support. The medical examiner ruled Austin's death a homicide and this week the charge against Cornelius was upgraded to aggravated assault causing death.

Austin’s stepmother Meagan Turner released a statement on behalf of the family:

As for our stance on upgrading the charge to aggravated assault resulting in death, as a family we firmly believe that justice will be done for the crime. Overall, the consensus is that RC made a choice that day that resulted in our son's death. There is truly no punishment that can make up for a loss of this magnitude. Under such circumstances, it is impossible to say what is “just or fair.” We are not the only family affected by this event, and it is easy to see that we are not the only family now bearing the burden of this tragedy. We trust that RC will have the opportunity to reflect on the consequences of his actions. I do not believe an eye for an eye will ever give you the peace you so desperately seek in your loss and grief. Perhaps more people will realize that hate does not drive out hate, pain does not drive out pain… only love and forgiveness can heal all wounds. No punishment will ever bring Auttie back, and so we must trust the legal system and come to terms with what is ours. We have no control over the consequences or the actions of others, only the way we respond to them. Not being satisfied with whether or not the charges are “serious enough” only adds to the burden of it all. Austin is not coming home – that is a fact and a wound that will never fully heal – it will always be a sore spot for all of us who loved him so much. If I could say anything about all of this, it is that my main focus is how we work to prevent incidents like this in the future. That is something we can fight for more here – and that will mean far more justice for Austin than the redemption of a single man behind bars. There is a bigger picture downtown that needs attention. Please keep your eyes peeled for more information on Reforms for Austin – an expansion of Dallas' law. #JusticeForAustinTurner #JusticeForDallasBarrett

A court hearing for Richard Corneluis is scheduled for next month.

Do you have any further information about this story? You can email me at [email protected]

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