A 60-year-old man has died this week after authorities say he was beaten outside of a Whataburger in Mineral Wells.
Doug Warren sustained blunt force injuries after being physically assaulted outside the Whataburger located on the 2500 block of East Hubbard.
The incident took place shortly before 2 a.m. on December 18, according to police.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found the victim lying on the pavement unconscious but still breathing.
Warren was transported by helicopter to Harris Methodist in Fort Worth in critical condition, where he eventually died on December 27.
According to online records from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner, the victim’s death was due to complications related to his blunt-force injuries.
A full autopsy has yet to be performed and may impact any charges brought against the suspects by the Palo Pinto County District Attorney’s Office.
Two men — 30-year-old Ryan Woodring and 31-year-old Ryan Hill — have been arrested in connection to the beating, according to police.
Both Woodring and Hill have been charged with assault and have since been released on bond.
A motive for the alleged attack has still not been provided by police.
Mineral Wells is located just west of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Here, especially within the city of Dallas, rising crime rates attest to the apparent failures of political authorities to protect residents, as The Dallas Express has reported extensively.
A friend of Warren’s, Zachary Harris, a local businessman, has organized a benefit together with other business owners in the Mineral Wells community to help cover funeral expenses.
“It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, Doug got along with you,” said Harris, speaking to NBC 5 DFW. “That’s what I think is awesome because everybody in our community is coming together over this.”
The benefit will feature a BBQ plate sale along with a silent auction and will take place on January 7 at Nita Beer.
Nita Beer is located at 100 SW 11th Street in Mineral Wells.