JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Police believe plenty of people saw what happened to Ryan Ford Friday night.
"Apparently there was over 50 individuals out there that night," said Lt. Rob Schoonover with the Jacksonville's Sheriff's Office.
Detectives say the party at a popular hideout off Old St. Augustine Road had been announced on Facebook a week before.
"It was a known area for these kids to hang out and, I guess, drink, party," said Lt. Schoonover.
But something happened, police say, that sparked an alcohol-fueled rumble. "Several fights broke out. It wasn't just one group against another."
Caught in the fray was 19-year-old Ryan Ford. Police say the first blow came from 22-year-old Robert Cline. Investigators say Ford was knocked unconscious.
Police say 25-year-old Christopher Hoffman continued to beat the teenager. Police were called. Ford was pronounced dead at Shands Jacksonville. Cline and Hoffman were arrested.
Police say most of the crowd scattered before police got there, and now, they're asking witnesses to come forward so they can get a better idea on what led to the teenager's untimely death.
"We did have some good witnesses come forward," said Lt. Schoonover. "But there are others out there. So we want to hear everybody's side of what took place."
Right now, Hoffman is charged with manslaughter. Cline is charged with battery. Police say more arrests are possible.
Police say witnesses can contact them two ways. They can make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-TIPS. Or, they can call JSO's homicide department directly at (904) 630-2174.
