Photo: Matthew K. Jardine
FREMONT — A man is facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter for fatally injuring a man during a bar fight in May. The suspect finally turned himself in and was arrested this month.
The case involves Thaddeus Steiner, a 40-year-old Fremont resident, who died due to complications from a fractured skull. The victim and the suspect, Matthew K. Jardine, 36 of Fremont, first argued and then two days later fought violently.
On May 17, Steiner and Jardine had words at the Florence Bar located at 37349 Niles Boulevard, but no one was hurt. However, when the two men met again at the same bar on May 19 their second encounter turned violent.
Steiner was punched in his head during the fight, which resulted in him falling to the ground unconscious. Next Jardine allegedly went back inside the bar and told one of the victim’s friends where to find him.
When detectives spoke with Jardine on May 23, he had multiple cuts on his right hand. His middle finger was purple and swollen in a manner consistent with a violent altercation. Though he left the police station with his attorney, pending further investigation.
In a prepared statement on October 20 Fremont police said. “In many instances, cases are quick to investigate and conclude, but that was not the case in this incident.”
Detectives reviewed surveillance video and spoke with potential witnesses, but delayed charging Jardine. Only after an Alameda County Coroner’s report was complete was Jardine finally charged.
Jardine subsequently surrendered himself at Fremont City Jail on October 8, and he was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear at the East County Hall of Justice on November 14.
