-Tamara’Shanay-

Cousins!

There’s been a recent update in the case involving a disruptive customer and a Dunkin Doughnuts employee that turned for the worst!

As we previously reported Corey Pujols , 27 was arrested after punching a 77 year old man that directed a series of racial slurs his way back in May of 2021 while at a Tampa, Florida located store.

According to Fox News 13, Corey was originally charged with aggravated manslaughter following the incident. However after further investigation, the truth came to light surrounding the tragic incident.

Fellow employees said that Vonelle Cook had gone through the drive thru both angry and upset about the doughnut shop’s service. He proceeded in parking his car and walked into the establishment to further complain. He was described as a regular customer that often stirred up trouble and was verbally abusive.

Upon his entry and screaming, Corey asked him to leave and Vonelle responded in calling him the N-word.

Sources confirm that Corey then told Vonelle not to call him the racial slur again. When the 77 proceeded to do so he was met with a pinch to the face knocking him out causing to land on the floor as he hit his head.

The Tampa Fire Rescue team responded and transported Vonelle to the nearest hospital where he passed away three days later. According to an autopsy report , he suffered a skull fracture and brain contusions from the fall.

Reports read that prosecutors accepted a plea deal from Corey’s legal team based on terms that he’d have to change his plea to guilty for a lesser charge of felony battery in exchange for a lesser sentence.

“This outcome holds the defendant accountable while taking into account the totality of the circumstances—the aggressive approach and despicable racial slur used by the victim, along with the defendant’s age, lack of criminal record, and lack of intent to cause the victim’s death,” said spokesperson for the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office Grayson Kamm, in a forwarded statement to FOX 13.

The prosecution team noted that though it was important to them to issue consequences for Corey following his actions, however Vonelle’s abusive behavior couldn’t be ignored. The elderly man is said to have had, “ a very troublesome criminal history.” He was also identified as a registered sex offender.