EVERETT — Snohomish County prosecutors say they won’t file criminal charges against an 18-year-old who reportedly punched another teen to settle a party dispute.
That single blow on Dec. 21 killed 18-year-old Jarom Thomas, and Michael Galen was initially arrested for investigation of second-degree manslaughter.
Deputy prosecutor Craig Matheson told The Daily Herald newspaper (http://is.gd/ndzdPR) Thursday that it wasn’t intentional homicide. He says it would have been difficult to prove negligence or recklessness.
Authorities say the two teens got into a fight following a minor vehicle collision outside a party. In court papers, detectives say a witness reports the two shook hands and smoked a cigarette together before the punch was thrown. Police say the victim fell backward, hitting his head on pavement. A friend took the unconscious teen to a hospital, where he died.
Both teens attended Crossroads High School in Granite Falls.
