Friends Speak Out For Man Killed In Brawl At OKC Sports Complex

A Moore man injured in a weekend fight at an Oklahoma City sports complex has passed away.

Ricky Betancur died from his injuries Thursday morning. The man accused of hitting Betancur over the head with a bat, Eric Noyola, was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail on a murder complaint Thursday evening.

Friends told News 9 Betancur had just moved to Woodward, Oklahoma, and came back in town to celebrate his son's birthday with family over the weekend.

"He didn't deserve this, at all. His family didn't deserve this, his boys, his daughter, nobody deserved it," said long-time friend Alissa Stevens.

Oklahoma City Police said Betancur was injured during a fight involving about 100 people at Boomer Sports Complex off I-240 and Sunnylane early Saturday morning. Stevens said he was a loving husband and doting father of three.

4/24/2014 Related Story: Man Dies From Injuries Suffered In Brawl At OKC Sports Complex

"He's a fabulous guy, fabulous. Big jokester and never met a stranger, really nice, kind-hearted loving person," explained Stevens. "He loved his family, he loved loved loved his family and he loved his kids," she added.

Stevens said Ricky was watching his friends play at the ball fields Friday night. Eric Noyola told police he was also watching friends play at the same sports complex.

Noyola is accused of hitting Betancur with a bat and was arrested for assault and battery with a deadly weapon at the scene. That complaint was upgraded to murder with Betancur's passing.

Noyola's attorney, Scott Adams, said his client swing in self-defense.

"He along with four of his buddies were out there at the ball field and they were jumped by about 15 to 20 other individuals and was just getting literally pummeled," explained Adams.

"Completely senseless, unnecessary, unneeded. I mean it should never come to this, ever," said Stevens.

Friends and family have started an online fundraising account to help Betancur's wife and kids with medical and funeral expenses.

Loved ones told News 9 a candlelight vigil is planned for Friday at 7:30 p.m. outside Moore High School.