Robert Hannah Sentenced to 180 Days after Fatally Punching Tony Hunter

(Oct. 14)  Robert Hannah was sentenced Wednesday to serve six months in jail after accepting a plea deal last month for simple assault.  In 2008 Hannah accosted Tony Hunter outside of the Be Bar nightclub in DC in 2008, in a robbery attempt, fatally injuring the man.

Hannah’s attorney employed the “gay panic” defense, alleging that Hunter grabbed Hannah’s buttocks and groin outside the gay bar.  Hannah punched Hunter, who fell and hit his head on the sidewalk.  10-days after the assault, Hunter later slipped into a coma and died from blunt-force trauma to the back of his head.

Hunter and friend Trevor Carter were heading to the Be Bar Sept. 7, 2008 when they were approached by Hannah and three other individuals after exiting the car, according to police. 

According to Carter, the group of men began attacking the two, unprovoked, knocking Hunter unconscious.  Carter managed to escape.

Police arrived on the scene and found Hunter unconscious and suffering from severe head trauma.  His car keys, cell phone, and $15 were missing. 

Originally, Hannah was charged with involuntary manslaughter.  Prosecutors reduced the charge after being unable to corroborate the varying stories of witnesses.

Hunter’s family was in a state of disbelief after the verdict.

"We drove 300 miles to see him get six months in jail for killing my son," said Hunter's stepfather, John Yarborough.

Yarborough believed more people were involved.

"My son was six-foot three and about 200 pounds and a former Army sergeant," he said. "One punch from that little guy wouldn't have done that.