VIA: AJC.com
The former fiancee of a cast member of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” died from a rare trait of sickle cell anemia that became fatal because of a fight he had in the parking lot of a strip club.
Still, according to a report from the Fulton County medical examiner that was provided to AJC.com, Ashley “A.J.” Jewell’s death is a homicide.
“Although Mr. Jewell died of complications of his underlying natural disease conditions, [the] complications would not have occurred if he had not experienced the extreme exertion that was part of the physical altercation,” the report said. “Due to the active involvement of another person, the manner of death is classified as a homicide.”
Jewell’s family was angered by the report and plans to hold a prayer vigil Thursday in the parking lot of the strip bar, the location of the fight that led to his death later that evening, according to a news release.
“Although the medical examiner’s report released to us yesterday does classify my son’s death as homicide, the report is contradictory because it simultaneously blames a ‘sickle cell crisis’,” said the Rev. A.B. Jewell, Sr.
His mother, Purtis Jewell, said in the release, said they are unsatisfied with the investigation.
The news release said they may ask that Jewell’s body be exhumed for a second autopsy.
The family also criticized the release on bond of Jewell’s accused killer Frederick Richardson. Richardson is charged with voluntary manslaughter in the Oct. 2 death.
Jewell was engaged to the newest member of the cast, Kandi Burruss, and until their breakup in August he made occasional appearances on the show. His relationship with Burruss was the topic of several conversations because her family opposed it.
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