After pleading guilty to felony battery, a Tampa doughnut shop employee was sentenced to two years of house arrest for allegedly killing a customer who used a racial slur against him.
Additionally, the judge ordered 27-year-old Corey Pujols, a former Dunkin’ Donuts employee, to perform 200 hours of community service and enroll in an anger management class as part of his sentence on Monday, FOX13 reported.
Pujols was initially charged with aggravated manslaughter shortly after the incident on May 5, 2021 at the Dunkin’ Donuts location at 410 South 50 Street in Tampa.
According to investigators, the victim, 77-year-old Vonelle Cook, had gone through the drive-thru and was displeased with the lack of customer service. He then yelled about customer service as he walked into the eatery.
Employees described Cook as “regularly troublesome and abusive,” according to a release from the State Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors say Cook was aggressive and verbally aggressive toward employees and Pujols when he entered the restaurant on May 5, 2021.
When Pujols, who is Black, asked Cook to leave, police say that Cook used the racial slur “N.”
Pujols warned Cook not to use the racial epithet in the again. When Cook refused, Pujols punched him in the face, knocking him unconscious and caused him to tumble to the floor, striking his head.
Cook was transferred to the hospital, where he perished three days later.
Prosecutors accepted a plea agreement from Pujols, who agreed to enter a guilty plea to the reduced charge of felony battery in exchange for a more lenient punishment.
