Doctor: Gwinnett man dies from torn artery after single slap

A Gwinnett County man who died after a single slap to the face was killed by a tear in his vertebral artery, a Gwinnett County homicide detective said.

Tomas Rodriguez died after a child’s birthday party at a Dacula home early on Dec. 3 after Adrian Herrera slapped him, according to police. The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s office later determined Rodriguez’s cause of death was a torn vertebral artery, a major artery in the neck that provides blood to the brain, spinal cord and other vital organs.

ExplorePREVIOUSLY: Cops: Man’s slap killed Gwinnett father at child’s birthday party

Herrera told police that Rodriguez had been harassing him, and that as Herrera attempted to leave the home that night, Rodriguez grabbed his shoulder and called him a vulgar name. Herrera has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with Rodriguez’s death.

Herrera was granted $35,000 bond after a Dec. 14 hearing.

Like Gwinnett County News on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram

Authorities identified the victim as 62-year-old Kanakkumar Yvas, of Lilburn.

About the Author

Teen indicted in deadly Albany State homecoming weekend shooting

Officials think the 18-year-old suspect was part of a gang.

2h ago

Early start to fall? Metro Atlanta wrapping up August on cooler note

Temperatures this week will feel a bit more like early autumn.

Roblox faces flood of sexploitation lawsuits from parents

A DeKalb County mother has sued online gaming company Roblox alleging it puts profit before safety and allows predators to groom and exploit children.

The Latest

Credit: Channel 2 Action News