Police: We've interviewed those involved in deadly bar assault

Jim Unfonak with longtime girlfriend Kelsey Mountain (Facebook photo)

ROCHESTER - Police have been in contact with the individuals directly involved in an altercation outside a Rochester sports bar that resulted in the death of Rochester musician Jim Unfonak, Rochester Police said on Tuesday.

Unfonak, 44, a longtime drummer for the popular Seacoast band bang n jane, was the victim in an altercation early Sunday morning as he left Gary's Sports Bar on Milton Road.

"We have interviewed the person or persons we believe were involved in the altercation," Rochester Police Capt. Gary Boudreau said on Tuesday.

Boudreau said police are continuing a very active investigation they say is making progress. He said the individuals involved are from the area, but wouldn't release their hometowns.

Gary's Sports Bar is equipped with numerous security cameras, but Boudreau would not confirm police were reviewing those devices, however he did confirm evidence had been seized from the scene.

Unfonak was declared brain dead soon after he was rushed to Maine Medical Center early Sunday. Sometime later he was taken off life support and he died.

Condolences, tributes and anger over his untimely death continue to pour in on social media, including his own personal page and that of his longtime girlfriend Kelsey Mountain.

"I am so very sad and angry all at the same time! We lost my husbands 44 year old brother today," one woman said. "Not because of illness or accident but because of a senseless act of violence by a bully trying to pick a fight with a man who doesn't fight. I pray his punch puts him in jail for a very very long time. Rest in peace."

Another post, likely from a former manager, posted a collage of David Bowie, Glen Frey and Unfonak, adding, "I know exactly what's going on here. And if I die tomorrow, it will be because they need a band manager. Love you, Jimmy U."

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.

Sources with knowledge of the incident told The Lebanon Voice Unfonak, whose band wasn't playing Saturday night, got into a confrontation inside the tavern with a person or group of persons who were later thrown out.

Evidently one or some of the group waited outside "in the woods" and jumped Unfonak as he was leaving.

A post Monday on the bang n jane Facebook Page notified fans of the tragedy and paid homage to the band's drummer.

"It is with our deep sadness, we have to announce, February 1st at 238 p.m. Jim Unfonak was pronounced dead at Maine Medical Center, his organs will be donated as anyone who knew Jim knows he would have wanted. Jimmy u was truly the nicest kindest person you could ever meet, willing to lend a helping hand at a moments notice. Many many great shows together over the last 22 years."

The post went on to eulogize the band's drummer and his importance to the hugely popular band, which over the last 20 years has played numerous benefits for local causes and at most local nightclubs.

"There will be no more shows, bang n jane has lost its drive and one of its founding members, jimmy was bang n jane. He was truly a brother and friend, fly high jimmy u. We love and miss you..truly the saddest day, heaven just got the best drummer anywhere...love you jimmy," the post said.

Police are still actively investigating this case. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or know anything about it is asked to please contact Detective Joe Rousseau at 330-7143 or call Rochester Crimeline at 335-6500.

All calls to the Rochester Crimeline will remain confidential and rewards are given for information, which leads to arrests. Tipsters can also text the Rochester Crimeline at Crimes (274637) and write TEXT4CASH, followed by your tip.