R.I. man dies after beating with two-by-four in car dispute

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Police say a Rhode Island towing company operator who was struck with a two-by-four in a fight over a deal that went bad has died.

Providence police Maj. David A. Lapatin says 'I Buy Junk Cars' owner Jonathan Stack died Saturday night, a day after the beating.

Customer Daniel Lastarza was charged Friday with two felony assault counts in Providence District Court. Police say the charges will now be upgraded to murder.

The 48-year-old Lastarza had been previously ordered held without bail in connection with a probation violation.

Police say they believe the fight occurred when the 34-year-old Stack tried to get his money back over the $400 junk-car deal.

According to CBS affiliate WPRI, court records show it wasn't the first alleged violent run-in Stack has had with the Lastarza family.

Stack clashed with Lastarza's son over a motor vehicle two years ago, at that time ending in Stack's arrest for allegedly assaulting the son with a stapler. He served six months in jail after pleading no contest in that incident.