Witnesses on scene, mostly made up of the defendant's group, maintain Cox was merely acting in self defense as Ellingson reportedly attacked Cox along with several interns in the church group. Witnesses report the deceased provoking the fight and punching multiple members of their party outside the sports bar around midnight on that fateful summer night.
Reportedly, Cox has no criminal background and his wife maintains this type of trouble is absolutely new to him. Probable cause to charge Cox with the homicide was not found and charges were left unfiled until May of this year--about 11 months following the June 13, 2013 incident. According to online Las Vegas Justice Court records, Robert Cox posted a $100,000 cash bond to secure his release and avoid extradition to Las Vegas. Records show a warrant return hearing set for June 13th, coincidentally 1 year from the day of the altercation. Warren Gellar is the attorney-of-record for Pastor Cox.
So what do you think about this case? At first glance and with review of the reports I've seen, I tend to believe this is a bit of a stretch to charge this man with murder. If the defendant's story is reliable and his church group's accounts are even remotely accurate, this is a case of self defense and the death is accidental and unfortunate. I try to think of what I would do if my loved ones, church family, or relatives were threatened by an aggressive, large man in a parking lot. It would be me in that pastor's shoes. Prayer is in order for all affected by this tragedy.