A Good Samaritan who was knocked unconscious while trying to stop a domestic assault has died.
John Charlton, 55, passed away peacefully Sunday, his brother told BreakingAC.
The man accused of striking him is now charged with aggravated manslaughter, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner announced late Monday.
"I am glad it is raining today," Charlton's brother Christopher wrote in a Facebook post Monday. "It will hide the tears of pain and anger that I feel at this moment. ... Rest in peace John you will always be my big brother and you will always be our hero."
Charlton was driving along Route 40 on Nov. 2, when he saw a man beating a woman, according to the charges.
Charlton's brother, Christopher, said his brother was not a fighter, and likely was going to try to reason with man.
But, according to police and witnesses, there was no time. Charlton was punched, and hit the ground hard.
He never regained consciousness.
Calvin Wiggins, 24, of Sicklerville, was arrested that day and charged with aggravated assault and simple assault, along with possession of marijuana.
After Charlton's death, the aggravated assault charge was upgraded to aggravated manslaughter.
On Friday, Superior Court Judge John Rauh granted the state's motion to have Wiggins detained pending his trial.
He has been transferred to New Jersey State Prison for a parole violation.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay Charlton's medical expenses.
