The suspect accused of manslaughter in the beating death of Ashley “AJ” Jewell has been speaking out about the case. Jewell, who died suddenly after a fight in the parking lot of The Body Tap Strip Club, has been laid to rest, but the case against suspect Frederick Robinson continues as he claims to be the “victim” in the situation.

An autopsy released by the Fulton Medical Examiner found that Jewell had a rare sickle cell trait which was the primary cause of his death. Despite those results, the medical examiner still ruled the death a homicide and after protests from Jewell’s family, Fulton District Attorney Paul Howard has agreed to the exhumation of Jewell?s body for a second autopsy to confirm the sickle cell trait.

According to police reports, the Oct. 2 fight was the final conflict in an ongoing feud between the two men as they struggled for control of the west Atlanta strip bar. Police say Jewell, who was purchasing an interest in the club, may have started the fight because he didn?t think he was getting enough respect from Richardson.

Frederick Richardson in court.

Richardson has recently spoken out publicly about the fight and accused Jewell of drug use and erratic behavior:

“I thought he was on drugs,” Richardson said Wednesday. He said Jewell pulled a gun on him in his office then followed him outside to the parking lot, where the two exchanged blows. “I was concerned for my life.” Richardson said.

The district attorney’s office has said they will decide if Richardson will be prosecuted based on the findings of the second autopsy but attorneys for Richardson are pushing for a dismissal. As the family and court awaits the 2nd autopsy, Richardson says his life is also in limbo as he awaits word on whether or not his case will proceed. Richardson says he’s unable to get a job and that he’s forever tainted by the manslaughter charge.

“[Jewell]’s not the victim. I’m the victim,” says Richardson, charged with voluntary manslaughter. A motion to dismiss the case was denied Monday by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Karen Woodson.

This entire situation is sad and my prayers go out to all involved.

(source)