by Scottsdale, AZ – A soon-to-be father was killed with one punch during a brawl outside a Scottsdale bar, just weeks before he was set to welcome his baby boy, authorities said.
Thomas John “TJ” Pizzitola, 29, was found unconscious on a sidewalk outside Pattie’s First Avenue Lounge around 2:15 a.m. on October 11, according to the Scottsdale Police Department.
Bar Fight Sparked by Brief Encounter
Court records indicate Pizzitola and two friends were kicked out of the bar for being rowdy. Outside, one of his friends allegedly bumped into a woman, igniting a confrontation that escalated into violence with a group of five suspects.
During the fight, 24-year-old Drew Meneses allegedly threw a single punch that caused Pizzitola to collapse and suffer a fatal brain injury.
“TJ was hit in the head and fell immediately to the ground,” police said in a statement. He was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
Five Suspects Arrested
Police arrested Meneses along with Julia Husser, 27; Krista Molina, 27; Tony Becker, 26; and Mark Whitford, 23. Meneses has been charged with second-degree murder, while the others face varying assault charges.
Meneses told the court he was having a “bad night” and did not intend for the situation to turn deadly. He is being held on $1 million bail.
Messages of Love Before Tragedy
In heartbreaking details shared with media outlets, Pizzitola’s partner Krisan said their final text exchange showed how excited he was to become a father.
“He said that he was so proud of me for staying home and taking care of our baby boy and that he loved me,” she said.
Later, she saw his phone location change to the emergency room and rushed there in her pajamas.
“All he ever wanted to be was the best father ever and the best husband,” she said. “But he wasn’t finished.”
Legacy of Life Through Organ Donation
Despite the sudden loss, Pizzitola’s family says he was able to save five lives through organ donation.
Friends, relatives, and community members continue to mourn the young father-to-be as the investigation moves forward and the suspects await further court proceedings.
