JESSAMINE COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - A man accused of a brutal beating that later turned deadly now faces more serious charges.

During a hearing in Jessamine County Monday afternoon, charges against Curtis Flora were upgraded to murder. Police say on New Year's Eve, Flora hit James Wallace in the head during an argument.

"The deceased had made some comments to him, and kinda had been getting on his nerves. The deceased was heavily intoxicated, and they had been kinda arguing," explained Jessamine County Detective Sergeant John Bourne.

Detective Sergeant Bourne says Wallace and Flora spent several hours arguing together on New Year's Eve. They even went to a local gas station together.

"They're on videotape together for at least a couple hours."

The arguments escalated right as the two were driving down Vince Road.

"He had pulled over on the side of the road on Vince Road, and had gotten out of his vehicle. Walked around to the rear passenger side and opened the rear door, and grabbed a hold of him and began striking Mr. Wallace in the head."

Flora told WKYT in a taped jail house interview, he started punching Wallace because of a derogatory comment Wallace made against his son. Wallace passed away at UK Hospital on January 2. Curtis Flora will face a grand jury on a murder charge.