Maryland

Police: Maryland Man Who Was Hit Once During Fight Over Parking Dies; Coworker Charged

A man who argued with a coworker over parking and hit him once faces an involuntary manslaughter charge after the second man died of his injuries six months after the assault, officials say.

Byron Darnell Powers, 63, was indicted in Howard County, Maryland, after police say he struck 47-year-old Brian Keith Gordon just "once with his hand" on July 15.

Gordon, of Upper Marlboro, was a father of three and truck driver for Stanley Concrete in Annapolis Junction. His coworkers and friends called him "Big Easy" because he was low-key, his obituary says.

"He was a great guy," coworker Gary Abernathy said. "Kind as can be."

The men argued over where their trucks were parked outside their workplace on the 11000 block of Guilford Road, police said Tuesday.

Powers, of Severn, hit the younger man once and he fell to the ground, hitting his head.

A coworker called 911, and medics rushed Gordon to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

He was transferred to a long-term care facility, and he died on Jan. 1.

Gordon, who died at age 48, worked for Stanley Concrete for 17 years, his obituary says. He won awards for tractor-trailer racing and was in multiple bowling leagues.

"He was truly a family man," the obituary says.

Steve Stanley, field supervisor for Stanley Concrete, described the fatal incident as a tragedy for the families of both men.

"I don't think Byron meant to inflict the damage he did," Stanley said.

Neither Powers' lawyer nor Gordon's family members immediately responded to inquiries.

Powers is free on $20,000 bond.

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