3 Walmart employees charged in suspected shoplifter's death

LAKELAND, Fla. — Authorities say three Florida Walmart employees have been charged in the death of a suspected shoplifter.

The Ledger reports that 35-year-old Nathan Allen Higgins, 23-year-old Crucelis Nunez and 58-year-old Randall Eugene Tomko were arrested Thursday and charged with manslaughter.

An autopsy showed that 64-year-old Kenneth E. Wisham died from mechanical asphyxiation while being restrained during a Feb. 7 struggle outside a Lakeland Walmart. The exam showed that Wisham suffered 15 broken ribs.

Police say Wisham was accused of taking DVD’s totaling $380.74.

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Walmart spokesman Charles Crowson said in an email that the employees have been suspended and their employment is under review. He says the company will continue to work with law enforcement officials.

Jail records didn't list attorneys for the Walmart workers.

Walmart released a statement to ABC News affiliate WFTS-TV:

"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these events. The status of the associates involved continues to be reviewed. We'll continue working with law enforcement officials, as we have from the beginning, while conducting our own review."

Cox Media Group