Someone hit John in the back of the head with a heavy blunt object, hard enough to cause massive skull fractures and an instant loss of consciousness. From medical testimony, it doesn't sound like he could have survived this even with immediate medical attention. But John also had defensive bruising to both fists, which indicates a fist fight probably happened first. Whether John started something with BH/BA first or not, given the short time frame the person who caused the head injury was likely not the same person throwing punches. Maybe someone a little over-eager to help out? (Chloe too, of course).
I'm not saying this had to be Colin. But it's crazy how everyone went so far to keep him out of this. I didn't really get this until a few weekends ago when blogger TB went to Canton to check the (false) story that there is a large hill on the short distance from the Waterfall to Fairview which (couldn't have) caused John's health app to register steps. The terrain is actually completely flat.
He (stupidly, IMO) went to a restaurant next to Chris Albert's pizza place and was seen walking in by none other than Colin Albert. TB, facing witness intimidation charges, didn't engage with Colin, but Colin saw fit to call in the calvary. His father, his father's employee, his older brother, his aunt, and an assortment of friends (including trial witnesses Julie and Ryan Nagel) all rushed to the scene to help out Colin, when no help appeared to have been needed. His middle aged aunt and father's employee both physically assaulted TB and were charged with Assault and Battery.
This is not normal adult behavior. But it does provide some insight into the minds of these people.