Anthony Papa and Alexander Jaynes — both restaurant workers at Coogan's — are accused of viciously attacking a patron Thursday night.
The incident began when the victim and a friend were intoxicated at the bar, got thrown out and then came back according to prosecutors. Papa, a restaurant manager, then allegedly pushed the victim backward with a blow to his chest.
"The victim and Mr. Papa then began to bear hug each other and wrestle, at which point Mr. Papa delivered several knee blows to the victim's leg," said Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Grasso.
Then Jaynes, a bouncer, allegedly jumped in.
"Both defendants then physically lifted up the victim and tossed him backwards onto the pavement," said Grasso. "The victim fell backwards, striking his head on the pavement as Mr. Papa landed on top of him."
Prosecutors say the victim was unconscious and motionless, with severe injuries to his head.
"The attack was only stopped when bystanders began to yell 'Bro, he's out, he's out,' as both defendants continued to beat the victim," Grasso said.
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The victim was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with what officials said was a life-threatening head injury. The victim's condition was updated to stable Friday morning.
One of the defense attorneys suggested the victim may have been the aggressor.
"Self-defense will be a critical issue in this particular case," said attorney Sean Donahue, who represents Papa.
But prosecutors say the restaurant's own security cameras and cellphone video from a witness show the entire violent crime.
Neither Coogan's nor Glynn Hospitality, which owns the restaurant, have returned requests for comment.
