Lawrence E. ‘Shine’ Thornton, an 87-year-old World War II veteran from Mississippi, was pronounced dead on Sunday. Four teens were charged in his death.
Terrance Morgan and Edward Johnson, who and both 19, and Leslie Litt and Geblonski Murray, who are both 18, were charged in the fatal mugging of Thornton, reported the Delta Democrat Times.
The teens were charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery.
Ahead of an initial court appearance, the four are being held in a Washington County jail.
Police told the paper that authorities were called to Thornton’s home on Friday, saying that he was assaulted in his driveway.
Police Chief Andrew Kaho told the Times that two men “pushed him down and stole his wallet.”
He died at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss.
According to the New York Daily News, Thornton was described as the king of the Delta Hot Tamale Festival.
“Our love and prayers go out to your family,” a Facebook post from the festival reads. “And you will forever be our King Shine.”
