WHEELING - The sole suspect in the assault that police believe led to the death of Travis Hocutt was charged Thursday.
Ohio County Prosecutor Scott Smith authorized the Wheeling Police Department to charge Jeff Zawisa, 23, of Blaine with the offense of involuntary manslaughter. Zawisa is expected to arrive at Ohio County Magistrate Court with his lawyer this morning to turn himself in.
Smith stressed Hocutt's death was not the result of a savage beating; instead, he was struck with a single blow and was further injured in the resulting fall to the pavement.
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Wheeling business owner Travis Hocutt died from injuries he sustained Oct. 9 in the area of 14th and Main streets.
Smith said evidence in the case indicates Zawisa struck Hocutt once, causing him to fall and hit the back of his head on the pavement. An autopsy report revealed the collision with the pavement caused severe damage to Hocutt's brain, including hemorrhaging and massive swelling, which ultimately resulted in his death.
Smith noted the offenses of first- and second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter require the intent to kill. The police investigation that followed Hocutt's death determined Zawisa had not intended to kill Hocutt, prompting the charge of involuntary manslaughter.
Deputy Police Chief Martin Kimball on Wednesday said Zawisa, whom he did not name at the time, was contacted by police after witnesses identified him as being present at a downtown business the night Hocutt was assaulted. Kimball said Zawisa was cooperative and answered questions regarding his role in the alleged assault.
Hocutt, 37, was found hurt but conscious when officers responded to a report of an injured man on the sidewalk in the area of 14th and Main streets at about 3 a.m. Oct. 9. Hocutt died a week later at Ohio Valley Medical Center, Wheeling. He was the owner of Hocutt's Carolina BBQ, located at the same intersection.
The crime of involuntary manslaughter is a misdemeanor. If convicted, Zawisa faces up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.