A 22-year-old American tourist in Greece was beaten to death after an argument stemming from his request to take a selfie with a waitress, local police claim.
Bakari Henderson was killed on Friday morning by a group of as many as 15 men outside a bar on the island of Zakynthos.
Police spokesperson Theodore Chronopoulos said authorities believe the incident started inside the venue, when Henderson requested to take a selfie with a waitress.
Chronopolous said another 33-year-old took issue with the photograph, and argued with the waitress. The man then struck Henderson, who then broke a beer bottle over the man’s table.
Conflicting reports state that the altercation began when Henderson placed two drinks on a table that was already occupied.
Shortly after the incident inside the bar, Henderson was chased outside by several men. CCTV footage of the incident shows them chasing Henderson onto the street, before forcing him against a parked car.
The men can be seen severely beating and kicking the recent University of Arizona graduate as he lay on the ground.
Two of Henderson’s friends, who were present at the time, performed CPR on him once the men had left the scene. He was rushed to hospital soon after.
So far, nine people have been arrested over the deadly incident, and have been charged with intentional homicide. They’re set to face court this week.
Henderson’s friends and family have described him as a top bloke; he was in Zakynthos to undertake a photoshoot for his new eco-friendly clothing line, after undertaking a degree in business finance on a full-ride scholarship.
In a statement, his family wrote
“he was a big thinker and enjoyed coming up with new business ventures.
“Bakari was an inspiration to all he met. He loved life to the fullest.”
His body is set to be returned to the United States in the next few days.
