Charges: St. Cloud Man Fatally Punched Victim As He Walked Away

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 21-year-old St. Cloud man is facing murder charges after allegedly throwing a punch over the weekend that knocked a man unconscious and resulted in his death hours later.

Travis Johnson is charged with one count of second-degree murder in the Saturday assault, court documents filed in Stearns County say. On Monday, St. Cloud police identified the victim as 22-year-old Anthony Shriver of Waconia.

According to a criminal complaint, both Johnson and the victim were walking with friends after bar close in St. Cloud when the two groups confronted in each other. An argument ensued, and witnesses say Johnson punched Shriver in the face.

Surveillance video showed that Johnson struck Shriver as he walked away from the argument, the complaint states. Johnson was arrested shortly thereafter, cited for assault and released.

When responding officers spoke to Shriver, he complained that his head hurt and added that he had no recollection of being hit, the complaint states. He declined medical attention.

About 10 hours later, Shriver was dead. Emergency crews responded to his home and found him unconscious. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful, and an autopsy report stated that he died of "traumatic head injuries due to physical assault."

After Shriver's death, Johnson was arrested again. If convicted of the murder charge, he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Shriver's funeral is slated for Friday in Sauk Rapids.