Another two men have been charged in the Bronx gang attack police believe began when gang members suspected one of their recruits was gay, police sources told a New York Criminal Lawyer. The two new defendants did not enter pleas when they appeared in Bronx Criminal Court, according to a New York Criminal Lawyer.
Police told a New York Criminal Lawyer that the members of the gang used some anti-gay slurs to ask two teen-aged boys and a 30-year-old man about their sexuality. Then, they beat and tortured them in a working-class Bronx neighborhood.
The first new defendant has been charged with robbery, gang assault, and unlawful imprisonment as hate crimes, prosecutors told a Manhattan Criminal Lawyer. He is being held on $25,000 bond or cash bail. According to his attorney, he is innocent of the charges.
The second new defendant is up against charges of gang assault, sexual abuse, and unlawful imprisonment as hate crimes. No bail was set for him. His attorney was not available for comment. The second new defendant is the 10th suspect in the case. He surrendered to the police. The other new defendant was arrested by police the day before.
The Bronx beatings are seen as many by just the latest in a string of anti-gay actions and teen suicides attributed to homophobic bullying. Government leaders and advocates for gay rights have condemned these actions and some are calling for legislative action to prevent further homophobic behavior.
No one wants to face a criminal jury, whether guilty or innocent. You don’t have to face it alone, however, especially when a New York Criminal Attorney is standing by to assist. A New York Criminal Attorney is your best resource when the time comes to go to court.
The Office of Stephen Bilkis and Associates can offer you support and guidance as well as a free consultation when you contact us at 1-800-NY-NY-LAW. We have offices in New York City, including Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Staten Island and The Bronx and in Nassau County, Suffolk County and Westchester County.