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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A popular Nashville bar, Tin Roof, has been fined following the tragic death of a patron who sustained fatal injuries during an altercation with one of the bar’s security guards. Austin Turner, 26, was left in a coma and died weeks later after being assaulted by Richard Cornelius, a licensed security guard working at Tin Roof’s Demonbreun Street location.
Incident Overview
The altercation occurred on February 18, 2024, when Cornelius reportedly denied Turner entry into the bar. According to Metro Nashville Police, Cornelius struck Turner, causing him to fall to the ground unconscious. Turner’s injuries included a skull fracture and a subdural hematoma, which required emergency surgery. Unfortunately, Turner fell into a coma and passed away a few weeks later.
Cornelius was initially charged with aggravated assault in March, but the charges escalated, and he was indicted on August 14, 2024, for knowingly causing injuries that led to Turner’s death.
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Tin Roof Fined and Investigation Findings
In connection with the incident, Tin Roof Acquisition Company, LLC was fined $1,500 by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) on September 19, 2024, for violating the TABC’s “Law and Order” rule (TABC Rule 0100-01-.03(6)).
During a preliminary hearing in May, Turner’s family viewed footage from a neighboring business that captured part of the altercation. The video shows Cornelius appearing to push Turner out of the bar, and as Turner walks away, Cornelius strikes him multiple times from behind. Cornelius’ family, however, claims the video only shows what happened outside the bar, while alleging that Turner had been trespassing and had assaulted Cornelius inside the bar.
There is no available video from inside Tin Roof, according to witness testimony.
Legal Developments
Cornelius has been indicted on charges of intentionally or knowingly causing injuries to Turner, which resulted in his death. The case continues to unfold, as Turner’s family seeks justice for their son’s untimely death.
