A punch to the head can kill you. Do you find that hard to believe? Then you probably haven’t been paying attention. The Sun-Times reported early yesterday that a grand jury is now investigating the death of David Koschman, who died after he was punched in the face by Richard J. “R.J.” Vanecko, a nephew of former Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Koschman, 21, of Mount Prospect, and four high-school friends had been out drinking in the Rush Street nightlife district on April 25, 2004, when they bumped into Vanecko, who was with three other friends, according to police reports. An argument ensued, and Koschman was punched in the face, falling backward, cracking his head on the street. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died 11 days later from brain injuries.
Delfino Mora was killed by a single punch to the head last week when three teenagers happened upon him while he was scavenging in an alley. According to prosecutors Mora was the victim of a game called “Pick ‘Em Out and Knock ‘Em Out.” What can you do to avoid having this happen to you? Read more here.