Family of man killed after fight at Fred’s Bar files wrongful death lawsuit

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A mother has filed a lawsuit against Fred’s Bar & Grill and others after a fight at the popular Tigerland bar in March 2024 led to the death of Devin Repath, the father of her two children.

Sheylli Pantoja, on behalf of her minor children, alleges that the bar, its insurance company, and several employees failed to protect their patrons from foreseeable harm. The lawsuit claims that an altercation in the bar turned into a violent fight outside, which led to Repath’s death.

Repath, 26, died days after the altercation at Fred’s Bar. According to the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office, he suffered blunt force trauma to the head, and his death was ruled a homicide.

Authorities arrested Matthew Marsiglia, 21, charging him with manslaughter in connection with the incident. The lawsuit also names Vincent Leco as a defendant, alleging he was involved in the fight.

The lawsuit claims Fred’s Bar staff did not intervene quickly enough to remove either Repath and Leco, “when they knew or should have known their level of inebriation and potential for causing harm.”

Pantoja’s lawsuit says her children, who are Wrongful Death beneficiaries, seek all damages and claims in their father’s death, including loss of his love, companionship, financial support and funeral expenses.

Bar fight leads to Repath’s death

According to arrest documents, officers arrived at Fred’s Bar on March 23 and found Repath lying on his back with serious head injuries.

Surveillance footage showed two groups of men speaking to each other. Repath reportedly walked behind several of his friends and punched a person in the head. One person charged at him but was restrained by his friends, and the groups were separated.

The situation escalated outside. Arrest documents said Repath, seen exchanging words with Marsiglia and another person, attempted to strike Marsiglia in the parking lot but missed. Marsiglia shoved Repath with both hands, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the pavement.

Witnesses told police they saw Repath and Marsiglia arguing but did not hear what was said. Repath’s friends attempted to get help from the authorities nearby.

The lawsuit claims that the bar and its staff could have stopped Repath’s death by getting involved before the fight got worse outside.

In January, Marsiglia pleaded not guilty. According to court records, his motion hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9.

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