The sister-in-law of a dad who was brutally beaten to death while protecting his son has recalled the moment she had to break the news of his death to his kids.
Christopher Wright was allegedly attacked after a fight broke out at his child's school and several people showed up at his house afterwards.
That took place on 19 May, with the dad tragically dying the next day in hospital.
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His fiancée Tracy Karopchinsky said her 14-year-old son had gotten into a fight with another teenager at Brooklyn Park Middle School, which had resulted in three teenagers and two adults showing up to their house later in the day.
She said that Wright had told the group that the teenager would not be coming outside to continue the fight that had originally started on school grounds.
Speaking to WBAL-TV, Karopchinsky said the group told the 43-year-old 'if he's not going to fight then you're going to fight', before attacking him.
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Wright suffered a traumatic brain injury and later died in hospital.
On Friday, Anne Arundel Police said they had 'collected numerous pieces of physical evidence from the scene' which had included camera footage, but no arrests had been made as of yet.
Wright's grieving family joined much of the community at Brooklyn Park on Friday (26 May), holding candles and paying their respects.
Karopchinsky was one of those of the grieving family in attendance, and stood up in front of everyone to remember her fiancé.
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She called her partner the 'one and only', before adding: "He would have done anything for any one of us, not just our kids. He would always have our backs."
Kristin Karopchinsky, Wright’s sister-in-law, recalled the moment she told the protective father's kids he had sadly died.
Speaking to WBAL-TV, she said: "We had to go home and tell them their dad was gone.
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"Those cries will haunt me for the rest of my life."
Many have paid respect to Wright since his tragic passing, including many close friends.
Louis Guarnera, a friend of the couple, remembered Wright in an interview with The Baltimore Banner, saying he was 'proud' he stood up for his kid.
"Everyone dies. If you’re gonna die, as a father, what’s better than protecting your family?" the devastated friend said.
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"He really was a great person. I wouldn’t expect nothing else of him."
School officials have confirmed that the fight between the teens took place and have said they worked to resolve the issue. They are now working with the police on the ongoing investigation.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact them.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677