Phil Baroni, also known as “New York Bad Ass”, competed in mixed martial arts for nearly two decades.
After his girlfriend’s death, former UFC fighter Phil Baroni was arrested in Mexico.
The Nayarit prosecutor’s office on the Pacific coast confirmed that an American was arrested on New Year’s Day, but gave little information according to the Associated Press.
Baroni, 46 years old, was taken into custody by the State Tourist Police after flagging down officers to help him because his girlfriend was not responding in their San Francisco hotel room. According to Mexican newspaper Tribuna de la Bahia, Baroni was upset that his girlfriend, Nayarit (better known as San Pancho), was not responding in her room. San Francisco is just north of Puerto Vallarta.
The outlet reported that Paola, a woman identified by authorities, was found lying in bed covered only with a sheet and with many bruises. There were no signs that the woman was still alive. You may also read: Jane fonda says
Baroni told police that he had been smoking marijuana and drinking beer in his hotel room at 3:00 p.m. when he began arguing with his girlfriend, after she confessed to him she had cheated.
According to the newspaper, Baroni told police that he asked her to take a shower and then grabbed her. She refused and was thrown into the shower.
According to the outlet, Baroni claimed that he helped Paola onto the bed and gave her a blanket after she complained about being cold. Then, he asked her for cigarettes and beer. According to authorities, he climbed into bed with Paola when he returned to the room with cigarettes. He tried to wake her up, but she didn’t move.
It is not clear if Baroni has an advocate who can speak on his behalf.
A photo of a man with reddened knuckles is found in photos posted to Facebook from Mexican outlet Observando En La Bahia.
The incident was reported to the Public Ministry by local authorities according MMA Junkie. Baroni is currently being held at the Juzgado Administrativo de Valle de Banderas.
Baroni, also known as the “New York Bad Ass”, competed in mixed martial arts for nearly two decades. MMA Junkie reported that he fought for Bellator and Pride FC, in addition to his time with the UFC.
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Paola’s cause-of-death is still being investigated by an autopsy. Tribuna de la Bahia says that the remains of the woman will be returned to her family.
Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org if you are experiencing domestic abuse. All calls are confidential and toll-free. Hotline available 24 hours a day in over 170 languages
