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Beating suspect blames another
By TAMARA LUSH © St. Petersburg Times, published May 15, 2001 Nicholas Whytsell admits that he punched an acquaintance during a party in New Port Richey early Sunday morning but denies that he landed the near-fatal blow to the man's skull. Whytsell, who is charged with aggravated battery in the beating of Steven Caron, said another party-goer hit and kicked Caron, which caused him to slip into unconsciousness. "A lot of those actions that night weren't the right ones," Whytsell told the Times on Monday, during an interview at the county jail in Land O'Lakes. "I just wish I could go back." New Port Richey Detective Steve Kostas said he is investigating the possibility that another person was involved in the attack. Police arrested 18-year-old Whytsell at 10 a.m. Sunday, about seven hours after the alleged attack. The fight took place at Whytsell's home at 5936 Missouri Ave. Police said that Whytsell drove Caron, then unconscious, to Caron's home, about three blocks away. Whytsell placed Caron near the front door, he said, then rang the doorbell and ran. Caron, who suffered head injuries, is in serious condition at the Intensive care unit at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. Caron is also 18. Whytsell, who has a juvenile criminal record that includes burglary and battery charges, said that Caron attacked him two weeks ago and later apologized. On Sunday morning, Caron showed up at Whytsell's party, where people were drinking. Whytsell said Caron became loud and aggressive, and punched Whytsell in the chest. Whytsell responded by punching Caron several times. Caron staggered outside, and another man punched Whytsell so hard that he fell down the front steps of the home and collapsed, said Whytsell. The other man then kicked Caron. Whytsell said he put Caron into a friend's car and cleared his mouth of blood so Caron could breathe. He said he sat in the backseat with the injured man while someone else drove the car. "I was the only kid looking out for him," said a watery-eyed Whytsell. "I'm praying for Steve." Whytsell was still being held in the county jail in Land O'Lakes on $20,000 bail late Monday night.
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