Tragic Bar Incident in Scottsdale
A grieving widow has recounted the last message she received from her husband before a fatal altercation outside a bar in Scottsdale, Arizona, earlier this month.
Thomas John “TJ” Pizzitla, aged 29, was discovered lying unconscious on the street near Patty’s First Avenue Lounge around 2:15 a.m. on October 11, after being asked to leave alongside two friends for disruptive behavior.
Pizzitla and his friends were stepping out to catch a rideshare when, reportedly, one of them hit a woman. In response, Drew Meneses, 24, punched Pizzitla, leaving him unconscious.
His wife, Crisan, shared that just weeks before their child was due, she had dropped him off at the lounge, thinking it would be a casual night out.
Crisan recalled the last text conversation vividly: “When I texted him that I was home, he replied he wished I was there. He said he was proud of me for taking care of our boy and that he loved me.” She remarked, “That was the last message I got from him.”
He was rushed to the hospital, where he later succumbed to severe brain injuries.
On October 22, authorities apprehended five individuals, including Meneses, who now faces second-degree murder charges.
Meneses is currently held on a bond of $1 million. In court, he described the night as a “bad night” and claimed there was no malicious intent behind his actions.
Prosecutor Angela Andrews indicated that cell phone footage shows Pizzitla standing calmly before Meneses approached and struck him.
Other individuals involved in the incident include Julius Husser, 27, Tony Becker, 26, and Mark Whitford, 23, all charged with aggravated assault. Additionally, Krista Molina, 27, faces charges of assault and disorderly conduct.
Crisan is due to give birth to their son next month and expressed her determination to remain strong during this challenging time. They plan to name their baby TJ Vito in memory of his father.
She noted, “All he ever wanted was to be the best husband and father.” Unfortunately, it seems his journey was cut short. A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to support the family, mentioning that Pizzitla intends to help others through organ donation.
