Band member urges calm as probe into drummer's death continues

Gary's Sports Bar, which has been cited in the past for several liquor-related offenses, could face scrutiny again. (Courtesy photo)

CONCORD, N.H. - The New Hampshire medical examiner's office was expected to perform an autopsy on Wednesday on the Rochester man who died as a result of an assault outside a Rochester bar early Sunday morning.

James Unfonak, 44, a popular area musician who played drums for longtime renowned Seacoast band bang n jane, was declared brain dead shortly after arriving at Maine Medical Center on Sunday. He was taken off life support on Monday.

Rochester Police first responded to Gary's Sports Bar on Milton Road at 1:33 a.m. on Sunday for a report of a man assaulted who needed medical attention.

According to sources close to the incident, Unfonak, whose band wasn't playing, got into an altercation with an individual at Gary's Sports Bar on Milton Road Saturday night. The individual and his friends left after being escorted out by bouncers, but at least one from the group and perhaps more, waited outside for Unfonak, then jumped him as he left the bar and went to get in his car.

As with all death cases, the state Attorney General's office has also become involved in the case.

Rochester Police told The Lebanon Voice on Tuesday that police have interviewed several area men involved in the altercation but are continuing to process any and all other evidence, including evidence seized from the scene, thought to include any and all surveillance images from cameras in and around Gary's Sports Bar.

Meanwhile, a post on the bang n jane Facebook page by band member and vocalist Mike Frampton urges calm and restraint as the investigation into Unfonak's death moves forward.
"Ok, I get it, everyone wants justice for Jimmy, including myself, everyone has their opinions, good, bad, indifferent, whatever the case," the post reads. "We all want the same thing... Justice, but lets think about this, this is a serious investigation and the media knows nothing other than what we tell them on here, I had reporters banging on my door this morning for Christ sakes, I'm telling them nothing at this point, so why would the cops? They .... believe it or not ... want justice as much as we do!!!!! ..trust me the anger I have is unbelievable... But I will not buy into the hate that's going around on here right now. Believe me I feel as bad and upset as anyone... But what would Jim want? And how about Kelsey Mountain (Unfonak's longtime girlfriend)? And Jim's family? How do you think they feel having to read all this over and over? ..we all want the same thing. ..right?...please show some compassion for them.. Please share this, thank you all."

No timetable was given for the autopsy's results release.