Assault charges filed after victim dies

Robert Taylor was pushed during an altercation Sept. 3 and died Monday

A domestic dispute between a Withee man, his then-girlfriend and the girlfriend’s brother turned deadly.

On Sept. 19, Larry L. Lawrence, 45, Withee was charged with one count of substantial battery with the intent to cause bodily harm. This is a class I felony with a possible sentence of up to three years, six months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines. He was also charged with disorderly conduct, a Class B misdemeanor carrying a penalty of up to 90 days jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

In addition Lawrence faced a felony bail jumping charge for failing to comply with the terms of his bond. This is a class H Felony and if convicted he faces up to six years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Sept. 3 at 144 S. Second St. in the city of Medford.

At the time Lawrence was in a romantic relationship with Sandra Taylor. The couple had spent the Friday and Friday night at Sandra’s brother Robert Taylor’s residence. According to the criminal complaint, multiple verbal arguments took place between Sandra and Lawrence. Lawrence then went to leave and called a friend to give him a ride.

Lawrence attempted to gather his property and Sandra alleges to have been pushed. Lawrence calls 9-1-1 for assistance and he was advised to wait for an officer.

While waiting for an officer, there was physical pushing between Robert Taylor and Lawrence outside the residence near the sidewalk. Lawrence pushed Robert Taylor and as a result Taylor fell backward striking his head on the concrete. At that time, law enforcement arrive on the scene to find Robert Taylor unconscious with severe medical injuries as a result of the fall.

According to the criminal complaint and report from Medford Police Officer Matt Hoops, “Upon my arrival I saw Larry Lawrence approach my squad car. I saw a male later identified as Robert Taylor lying on the sidewalk. … I started by tending to Robert’s medical needs. He was lying on his back on the sidewalk. He was breathing but unconscious and not responsive. Larry and Sandra continued to verbally argue and had to be commanded to stop their actions. Sandra spoke about how Robert was pushed or struck by Larry. Larry commented how Robert hit him first. I requested assistance from other units and EMS to respond. I continued to monitor Robert until EMS arrived.”

Taylor was ultimately transferred from the scene by ambulance and remained unconscious and not responsive. He was eventually transported by helicopter to Aspirus Wausau Hospital with skull fractures. Robert Taylor’s family removed him from life support on Monday and he died.

According to the criminal complaint Sandra stated Robert came outside to bring additional property belonging to Lawrence. Lawrence and Robert got into a verbal argument about money paid/owed between Sandra and Lawrence. She said they stood face to face verbally confronting each other. Sandra told officers that Lawrence then pushed Robert with two hands backwards, causing Robert to fall to the ground.

According to the criminal complaint, Lawrence told officers that Robert Taylor got in his face and was yelling at him. He said Robert Taylor threatened to punch him and started to lunge towards him. Lawrence said that he put his hand up, blocking him, and that Robert Taylor fell.

According to criminal complaint, later, after being taken into custody Lawrence told Officer Hoops that he had not been truthful at the incident scene. According to the complaint, he said Robert Taylor came after him with a pocket knife. Lawrence said after Robert Taylor fell, Sandra gave the knife to her son William. He said he pushed Robert Taylor away because he was protecting himself.

At the time of the incident, Lawrence was out on bond from a domestic abuse case in Langlade County with conditions of the bond including the “Defendant shall not commit any crime.”

A $2,000 cash bond was set for Lawrence on September 6. Charges were filed on September 19. Lawrence is scheduled to be in court at 1 p.m. on October 18 for an initial appearance.