Police: Manslaughter Indictments in Parking Lot Assault

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Two men are in custody and four additional suspects are sought after the victim of a 2011 assault died from his injuries in December, according to the Fredericksburg Police.

Stuart Cole, 22, was found dead in his apartment on Dec. 14, 2015, after suffering for years following the assault, according to police. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled that his death was related to the 2011 attack.

On Aug. 22, 2011, Cole was shopping at Walmart in Central Park when he got into an argument with a group of other young men in the store. As he was putting his bags in his trunk, Cole was reportedly struck on the back of the head. Witnesses reported seeing two men kicking Cole while he was on the ground.

Cole spent 11 days in the hospital and continued to face challenges due to his injuries up until his death.

Surveillance footage captured images of the group believed to be responsible for the assault. Tips from residents helped to identify the six men in the group.

On Friday, a grand jury indicted the six men, with four facing felony charges of voluntary manslaughter and malicious wounding by mob.

• Howard Vaughn, 23, of Fredericksburg – arrested
• Sebastian Irvin, 23, of Fredericksburg – arrested
• Demetrious Walker, 23, of Spotsylvania County, Virginia – active warrants
• David Kerns, 24, of Stafford County, Virginia – active warrants

Petitions were issued charging two other men who were minors at the time of the assault.

• Rashon Graves, 22, of Jacksonville, Florida
• Dequan Ellis, 22, of Fredericksburg, Virginia