Man pleads guilty after beloved Alabama barrel racer dies in ‘sucker punch’

An Alabama man has pleaded guilty in the 2021 death of a beloved barrel racer who died after being “sucker punched” while hanging out with friends in downtown Anniston.

Corey Duran, now 22, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of 23-year-old Colten Farley. The guilty plea was entered Monday in a Calhoun County courtroom, according to court records made public Tuesday.

Farley died on March 25, 2021, five days after police said he was punched with friends on popular Noble Street in Anniston’s arts and entertainment district.

Farley was a barrel racer, trainer, Quarter Horse and Appaloosa enthusiast, breeder and ambassador.

Calhoun County Judge Timothy Burgess sentenced Duran to 10 years probation with five years probation. Duran is also banned from drinking alcohol for at least six months.

The attack occurred on Sunday around 12:30.

According to police and a civil lawsuit in the case, the juvenile Duran “earned a reputation for drinking and fighting” in the entertainment district.

Farley walked with two friends toward his vehicle, which was parked in front of the Dark Horse Salon on Noble Street. The three of them were getting ready to go home.

While momentarily standing on the sidewalk, Farley was knocked to the ground by a member of the Duran family and landed on his buttocks with his arms at his sides, cushioning his fall.

According to the documents, a family member recognized Farley and they were about to separate peacefully on good terms when Duran “ran” from the Dark Horse and “punched” Farley in the jaw. The impact knocked Farley unconscious.

“He went stiff and fell backward, and his backside cracked on the pavement,” according to the civil lawsuit, which is still pending.

The incident was recorded by surveillance cameras located in the city center.

Farley regained consciousness at the scene and was treated by paramedics. According to the police, despite the doctor’s recommendations, he did not agree to be taken to hospital.

Later that morning, Farley was found unresponsive and could not be awakened.

He was airlifted to UAB Hospital, where he underwent surgery to relieve pressure in his brain.

He died a few days later.

“He was a young boy, a member of our barrel racing community, a sweet, kind soul who did not deserve what happened,” according to a Facebook post by Western Dove in Texas.

There have been numerous posts on social media from friends and family alleging that Farley was attacked as a result of a hate crime targeting his sexuality, but police said there was no indication that Farley’s death was the result of a hate crime. hatred.

“Words were exchanged. “All the people involved are loosely connected, they know each other,” Police Chief Nick Bowles said at the time. “There was absolutely no prejudice. There were no sexual epithets or anything like that.”