Father In A Coma After Defending His Daughter From Her Boyfriend

A father in Austin, Texas, is in a coma after trying to protect his daughter.

Eric Garcia's daughter had been dating Jamie Apodaca, 24, for a month. While at their home last Saturday, the father reportedly overheard the man calling his daughter derogatory names. Garcia then asked the boyfriend to leave, whereupon an argument ensued.

Allegedly, Apodaca hit Garcia several times inside the home. When the fight continued outside, the suspect is said to have hit Garcia again, causing him to fall and hit his head on the concrete, which fractured his skull.

The suspect is also said to have punched his girlfriend, KEYE-TV reported. Another person inside the home was also injured.

Apodaca, who had been staying with his girlfriend in the home at the time of the incident, has since been charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member, assault causing bodily injury, and aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury to a family member.

Meanwhile, Garcia's condition remains uncertain. A friend of his told Fox, "It was really shocking and it's been a really tough couple of days, just kind of hoping that he pulls through but knowing that he probably won't."