CORNVILLE, Ariz. (AP) - Yavapai County authorities say a Cornville man who had been on life support after being hit on the head with a hammer and bat has died.
They say 22-year-old Jesse Rayfield died Wednesday morning at a Flagstaff hospital.
County Sheriff’s officials say 23-year-old David Joseph Shultz had been booked into custody on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly beating Rayfield on Dec. 7.
They say Shultz remains held without bail and the case now is classified as a homicide.
Deputies were dispatched to Cornville about an unconscious man found in a travel trailer with a severe head injury and a hammer with blood on it at the victim’s feet.
Authorities say a relative of Shultz found the victim and told deputies the suspect allegedly admitted to striking the victim with a bat.
Deputies arrested Shultz without incident and say he so far has refused to discuss the alleged attack on Rayfield or a possible motive.
It was unclear Wednesday if Shultz has a lawyer.
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