Three people accused in the savage beating of a Calgary man in the Beltline will now be facing tougher charges.
The Crown made the decision to upgrade charges of aggravated assault against 26-year-old Garrett Smith, 22-year-old Jarod Henry, and 27-year-old Chantelle Tiffany Campbell on Tuesday.
The three now face a charge of attempted murder.
They are charged with attacking John Herrera, 46, who was believed to be returning home with groceries in the late evening of May 23.
Friends and family of Herrera are collecting money to help bring some of his family members to Calgary and for basic supplies.
The public can make a donation at any TD Canada Trust branch under Colombian Friends account #205-5247144.
On Thursday, Herrera's family issued the following statement saying:
"The family of John Fernando Herrera wish to thank Calgarians and people from around the world for the support and kindness we have received since John was attacked on May 23, 2012. At this time, he remains in critical condition in hospital."
"This is a very difficult time for our family. Our focus right now is on John and his well-being. We would respectfully ask members of the media and the community to please respect our privacy as we deal with this tragic event."
Herrera remains in a coma in hospital.
