A $5,000 donation from Kid Rock is listed on the Web page set up at giveforward.com to raise funds for Jason McNeil, the former WNY resident who is in a coma after apparently being punched by another patron at the performer's concert at Darien Lake on July 6.
McNeil is still in a coma but making progress according to a Facebook page set up to keep people apprised of his condition.
The donation page says that so far 290 donations have been made totaling more than $30,000 with a goal of raising $20,000 more over the next 29 days.
The 43-year-old Alabama resident is originally from Alden, but reportedly is very involved in his community in Tuscaloosa and has lots of friends and supporters there. He is involved in several charities in the community and is a member of Kiwanis.
He's been in a coma since being taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC after allegedly being punched in the face by Craig Malcolm Lawson, 34, of Talbot Street, Courtland, Ontario, Canada.
Lawson is charged with assault, 3rd, a misdemeanor, and is out of jail on $1,000 bail.
While the Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said his office will review the evidence as the case develops. It's possible Lawson could face a felony charge if there is sufficient evidence to sustain such a charge.
An upgraded assault charge would be assault in the second degree. In order to prove that charge, the prosecution would need to show that the defendant intended to cause serious injury.
Previously: Alleged assault case at Kid Rock concert grows more complicated with news of serious injuries
Kudos to Kid Rock!
Kudos to Kid Rock! Bawitdaba!!!
Now why isn't every single hospital bill sent directly to Lawson to pay???
Maybe they should be, but at
Maybe they should be, but at the present time, given the grind of the wheel of justice, that's not possible because nothing has been adjudicated.
While I agree that Lawson
While I agree that Lawson should be held financially responsible for the hospital expenses and other damages, as Billie pointed out, Lawson has not been found guilty of anything. He is only charged, accused, of assault.
Remember that silly constitutional right, innocent until proven guilty?
That silly little
That silly little constitutional right only applies in a court of law though. When it's discussed on here it's being tried in the court of public opinion. And I can understand the frustration with the courts as well. Just look at the whole Jaquetta Simmons fiasco, she was tried by jury and found guilty and assessed a punitive sentence. Which was then vacated by a partial judge from out of the area as being too harsh.
That's the way justice is beginning to lose the trust of the people.
Kyle, with Simmons, nothing
Kyle, with Simmons, nothing has been vacated. Her sentence is under appeal.