Two men charged in bar fight

This article submitted by Linda Stelling on 3/28/01.

On opposite sides in the fight that fateful September night, two Richmond men have both been charged in the St. Martin bar fight that led to the death of Robert Northway, 31.

Both men made their first court appearance in Stearns County District Court on Monday.

Fred Doubek, 26, is charged with second-degree manslaughter, disorderly conduct, and two counts of fifth-degree assault. Second-degree manslaughter can lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, according to the St. Cloud Times.

The victim's brother, Bryan Northway, 25, is charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct. Northway is accused of assaulting a bar employee with a tire jack. He denies the charge, according to the Times.

Both men remain free after being booked Monday at the Stearns County Jail.

Northway will make his second court appearance on April 27. Doubek's second court appearance is scheduled for May 14.

The fight between the Northways and bar patrons started in the bar and continued outside. When Stearns County officers arrived, bar patrons had the two brothers down on the ground. Robert Northway wasn't breathing and was taken to the Albany Hospital.

According to medical examiner reports, Northway died of asphyxiation caused by external compression.

These charges are the result of the grand jury proceedings held two weeks ago. Other charges may follow, but they were not made public by our deadline.

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