04 October, 2006
UNSANCTIONED BOUT BRINGS ABOUT DEATH

Palm Desert, CA-A 16-year old boy collapsed and died after boxing in what authorities called an underground "fight club." Jefferson Pitner died Sunday after fighting at least three rounds in a Palm Desert park, where he had gathered with eleven other boys, authorities said. Pitner, who lived in Indio, died of head injuries at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, said Sgt. Earl Quinata, spokesman for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

FATAL FIGHT BEING CALLED A HOMICIDE

Quinata said Tuesday the case was being investigated as a homicide, but authorities hadn't made any arrests and "had no evidence of criminal intent." Authorities were reviewing photos taken by one boy with a cell phone camera.

Quinata could not say when results of an autopsy, scheduled Tuesday, would be made public.

The boys started the group several years ago and have met regularly, Quinata said, but he did not know where the boys fought or how often. Each fight lasted one to three rounds, and could continue for several minutes.