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TPD: Manslaughter charge filed in death of popular Tampa Bay muralist

Posted at 10:31 PM, Sep 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-18 23:16:52-04

TAMPA, Fla. — A felon with a violent past has been arrested for the death of a popular Tampa Bay artist and muralist. 

Tampa Police confirmed Tuesday that Keith Mauga, 34, will be charged with manslaughter after they say back in April, he punched Matt Callahan, 40, who died two days later at Tampa General Hospital.


Keith Mauga, 34

"Unfortunately, I think my son died not even knowing why he was upset at all," said Callahan's father, Mick Callahan. 

Related: Tampa Bay artist found dead,fatheroffers$8K reward for information leading to arrest

Mick Callahan says it only took one punch by Mauga to kill his son. Officers found the popular artist unconscious in the median of West Gandy Boulevard, outside the Warehouse Lounge. 

"Mr. Mauga and his friend are shown on the camera calmly walking away, getting into their vehicle and driving off, leaving my son on the sidewalk on the sidewalk to die," said Callahan. 

Court documents show Mauga is already serving time for aggravated assault, arrested for attacking a man at a St. Pete bar in 2017. 

"He has a long history of being volcanically explosive in his temper," said Callahan. 

Matt Callahan leaves behind a wife and 5-year-old son. His father tells ABC Action News that a scholarship fund in his son's honor has raised more than $30,000.