Hate Crimes Against Homeless Americans - Case Descriptions by Month, Date, and City in 2004
Report compiled by the National Coalition for the Homeless
Honolulu, Hawaii
Four Teens Leave Homeless Man in Critical Condition
January 8: Four teenagers beat and stabbed an unidentified homeless man,
leaving him in critical condition at Queen's Medical Center. Lynn
Mauneaka, director of The Institute for Human Services, an emergency
shelter in Oahu, described the attack as "extreme" and "ugly." A witness
reported one of the attackers saying, "I got the guy good by knifing
him." Savannah Balai, 19, Percy Elevenia, 18, and an unnamed 15-year-old
were charged with second-degree assault.
Sources: Honolulu Advertiser, "4 arrested in attack on homeless man,"
1/10/04; Honolulu Advertiser, "3 charged in beating of homeless man,"
1/13/04.
Maple Valley, Washington
Homeless Man Beaten, and Left to Die in the Snow
January 8: Shirin Galinkin, 27, and David Pulcino, 45, were arrested and
charged with second-degree murder on September 25 for the death of
57-year-old Jeffery Thompson. Galinkin and Pulcino admitted to severely
beating Thompson during an argument after the three had been drinking
together. The couple then left Thompson to die under an old railroad
trestle, where a passerby found his body.
Thompson, a Vietnam veteran, was well-known in the small town of
Maple Valley, where he had lived his entire life. He performed odd jobs
for neighbors, told stories, and lent out books from his large
collection. Following Thompson's death, the town held a memorial
service; and a local 16-year-old helped raise a $200 reward for anyone
who could help catch Thompson's killers. "People responded on a very
deep level to his soul," noted Maple Valley resident Stanette Marie
Rose.
Sources: Seattle Times, "Couple arrested in beating death of homeless
man," 10/21/04; Seattle Post-Intelligencer, "Arrests in death of
homeless man left to die in snowy January," 10/22/04; Seattle Times,
"Pair held in killing of homeless man," 10/22/04; Seattle P-I, "Couple
charged with killing homeless man," 10/26/04; New York Times, "Homeless
Man is Killed and a Town Pours Out Prayers," 11/03/04.
New York City, New York
MTA Police Charged with Assaulting Homeless Man
January 18: Sergeant Joseph Camean and Officer Michael Koenig, both
police officers with the Metropolitan Transit Authority, were indicted
in the beating of a homeless man after ejecting him from Penn Station.
Koenig and two fellow officers escorted Maurice Cherry out of Penn
Station. According to the assistant district attorney, an argument then
ensued in which Koenig began to beat Cherry over the head with a metal
baton, causing him to curl into the fetal position.
Two witnesses reported the assault, which was also captured by a
surveillance camera. Sgt. Camean was informed of the assault, but both
he and Koenig failed to report the incident to authorities or record it
in their memo books. Koenig was charged with assault in the second
degree, falsifying business records, and official misconduct. Camean was
charged with falsifying business records and official misconduct.
Both officers initially pleaded not guilty and were suspended from
the MTA without pay. Koenig later changed his plea to guilty and was
ordered to do 200 hours of community service; he eventually resigned
from his position.
Sources: N.Y. County District Attorney, 10/12/04; Daily News, "Charge
2 MTA Cops Beat Homeless Man," 10/13/04; New York Times, "Officer
Charged in Beating of Homeless Man Outside Penn Station," 10/13/04;
Homeless Grapevine, "MTA Police Officer Beats Homeless Man," #69-2005.
New York City, New York
Man Seeking Refuge from Cold Beaten to Death
January 26: An unidentified homeless man, believed to be in his 20s, was
found dead in the basement of an apartment building where he had been
seeking refuge from the bitter cold. Jose Perez, 42, was charged with
second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection
with the fatal beating.
Source: NY Daily News, "Charge Tenant in Slaying at Brooklyn
Building," 1/26/04.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Women and Children Harassed Outside Mission
March 22: Women and children, residents at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission,
were pelted with rocks by a group of neighborhood men. The attacks
stopped when a young male resident from the mission intervened. Later,
as the same young man walked down the street, about 20 men jumped him.
When he returned to the mission for help, he was turned away.
Source: Lori Anne Fuller, Kalamazoo Homeless Action Network, 5/10/04.
Key West, Florida
Two Teens Beat Homeless Man in His Sleep
March 23: Two teenagers, 17 and 18, were arrested and charged with
battery for attacking a sleeping homeless man. The 58-year-old man was
found with large, bloody cuts on his forehead. A witness directed two
police officers to the location where "several males" were beating the
homeless man. When the police arrived, they saw the teens punch the
victim repeatedly, then stand up, laugh, and give each other high-fives.
Source: www.Keysnews.com.
"Teens accused of beating homeless man in Key West," 3/22/04.
New York City, New York
DHS Security Cops Arrested for Beating Shelter Resident
March 31: Sgt. Raul Perez, 29, along with officers Wayne Davidson, 44,
and Richie Mann, 28, were charged with assault for the beating of a
resident in the Bellevue Men's Shelter in Manhattan. The three peace
officers, employed by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS),
attacked the 20-year-old man in a hallway and elevator with a metal
garbage can. The man was treated for cuts and bruises.
DHS spokesman Jim Anderson said the agency will not stand for any
abuse and that "the alleged abuse of power sharply contradicts the
values and standard practices of the program. DHS has no tolerance for
behavior of this type and the three officers have been suspended without
pay."
Source: Newsday, "3 officers held in beating at shelter," 4/2/04.
Bend, Oregon
Teen Hits, Stomps and Kicks Homeless Man to Death
April 16: Stephen Withrow, 17, is charged with murder, manslaughter,
robbery, and assault after allegedly killing Curtis Dean Kizer, a
42-year-old homeless man. According to local authorities, Withrow told
detectives that on April 16, he drank nine beers with several friends in
the woods. Soon after Withrow, with two friends, approached Kizer, who
was waiting to be served dinner by a local church group. He made small
talk with Kizer, and then punched him in the face without warning,
rendering him unconscious.
Withrow continued to punch Kizer in the face, all the while yelling,
swearing, and referring to him as homeless. He then repeatedly climbed
up a set of nearby stairs and jumped onto Kizer's chest. Kizer's friends
and the youths accompanying Withrow agreed that the attack was
completely unprovoked.
Withrow has a criminal record, including charges of first-degree
theft, unlawful possession of a firearm, and first-degree burglary.
Police found two binders in Withrow's room that contained handwritten
notes about his desire to kill someone. Withrow pleaded guilty to
manslaughter and was given 20 years in prison.
Sources: Associated Press, "Teen facing murder charge in death of
homeless man," 4/21/04; Bend Bulletin, "Teen arraigned in case of Drake
Park killing," 4/28/04;
www.Bend.com,
"Teen Drake Park slaying suspect had many run-ins," 5/07/04; Bend.com.
"Footbridge murder suspect to enter plea Dec. 6," 10/4/04; Associated
Press, "Teen will serve 20 years after manslaughter plea," 4/13/05.
Weymouth, Massachusetts
51-Year-Old Homeless Man Beaten by 19-Year-Old
April 15: 19-year-old Daniel Cronin was arrested and charged for assault
and battery with a dangerous weapon. Cronin was reported to have hit a
51-year-old homeless man with a rock and then chased him with a stick.
Source: The Patriot Ledger, "Homeless man beaten; police make
arrest," 4/16/04.
Lompoc, California
Homeless Man Set on Fire, Found Two Days Later
May 29: A sleeping 53-year-old homeless man was set on fire in the
downtown area, sustaining serious burns on his back and arms. He was
discovered two days later when a passerby heard his moans. The police
are searching for three teenagers between the ages of 15 and 18 believed
to be responsible for the attack.
Sources: Los Angeles Times, "Teens Who Set Homeless Man on Fire
Sought," 5/29/04; Associated Press, "Teens Allegedly Set Homeless Man on
Fire," 5/30/04.
Austin, Texas
Savagely Beaten Homeless Man Collapses and Dies in Lobby of a Business
June 15: Curtis Ray Wilson, 43, a homeless man, was severely beaten
before collapsing and dying in the lobby of a business in Austin.
Several months after the savage beating death, his alleged attacker was
arrested and brought to trial. His motivation purportedly was to impress
his girlfriend.
Curtis suffered from mental illness. He was known and loved by
hundreds of people for his good nature and sense of humor. House the
Homeless, an Austin advocacy group, honored Lisa Morrill, the detective
who arrested Wilson's alleged killer, with the Curtis Ray Wilson
Compassion Award. She was recognized for resisting pressures to close
the case; insisting that Mr. Wilson was a "regular person and deserved
to be treated as decently as anyone else."
The name of Curtis Ray Wilson was read along with 88 other people at
the 2004 Homeless Memorial Sunrise Service. Each year Austinites and
concerned citizens from all across the nation gather in local
communities to acknowledge the men and women who have lost their lives
while living on the streets of America.
Sources: KEYE, "Homeless Man Murdered in Austin," 6/16/04; KVUE News,
"Suspect identified in attack on homeless man," 6/18/04; Richard R.
Troxell, President of House the Homeless, Austin.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Up to Eight Suspects Set Sleeping Man on Fire
June 15: At approximately 3:45 a.m., a homeless man, Lucas Adam Wiser,
21, was sleeping in front of Corpus Christi Metro Ministries, when he
was set on fire. He was hospitalized with third-degree burns on his arms
and legs. Police suspect that up to eight men were involved in the
crime.
Surveillance cameras recorded the attack, leading to the conviction
of two individuals. One, a 15-year-old boy, accepted a plea deal and was
sentenced to a maximum 10-year term for aggravated assault. Another man,
Michael Enoch, 20, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the same
crime.
Advocates fear that this may be related to other attacks on homeless
people. Three other attacks by teenagers have recently occurred in the
area. "One guy was asleep and woke up to find an iron bar across his
face," attests Patricia Henry of the Mother Teresa Shelter. One homeless
man was beaten with a belt buckle. Another attack occurred when a
homeless man was nearly run over by car following a confrontation.
Sources: Associated Press, "Video shows homeless man being set
ablaze," 6/17/04; Dallas Morning News, "Advocate for homeless fears
attacks may be on the rise," 6/18/04; Houston Chronicle, "Torching of
homeless man caught on camera / Corpus Christi police seek clues,"
6/18/04; Caller-Times, "Homeless man flees hospital," 6/19/04; Real
Change, "North American Newsbriefs," 6/20/04; Houston Chronicle, "Teen
Detained in Attack on Homeless Man Set Ablaze," 6/21/04; Corpus Christi
Caller-Times, "Fire suspect, 15, accepts plea deal," 9/22/04.
Nashville, Tennessee
Driver Intentionally Rams Homeless Man's Cart
June 13: Jesse Holt, 23, has been charged with aggravated assault after
deliberately driving his pickup truck into 48-year-old Kenneth McCart's
shopping cart. The well-known and well-liked McCart sustained injuries
to his knees, elbows, and forehead. Following the accident, McCart began
to suffer from seizures and is currently receiving treatment at Skyline
Medical Center.
Holt admits intentionally running into the shopping cart, claiming
that he was angry that McCart was "lollygagging in the road being a
safety hazard," but says that he had no intention of seriously injuring
McCart. After hitting McCart, Holt continued driving to his job at Papa
John's, where he was currently on the clock.
Sources: The Tennessean, "Driver hits homeless man's cart
deliberately," 6/27/04; Tennessean, "Some think attacks on homeless
should be considered hate crimes," 9/5/04.
New York City, New York
Two Teens Viciously Beat Homeless Man to Death Outside Church
June 17: Dashorn Washington and Jamel Robinson, both 15, were charged
with second-degree murder in the death of 51-year-old William Pearson,
who officially died of a fractured skull. According to police reports,
the teens pulled the sleeping Pearson out of an abandoned car parked at
a gas station. They proceeded to kick and punch him, eventually hitting
him with a nearby milk crate.
Pearson was able to free himself and run toward St. Gabriel's Roman
Catholic Church. The teens soon caught up and began hitting him with
garbage cans. They followed Pearson into the churchyard and attacked him
with as many as 30 bricks. Pearson managed to crawl to the front of the
church, where a priest saw him and called 911.
Pearson died soon after the 3:15 a.m. call. "His head was a bloody
mess," one officer reported. Neither Washington nor Robinson have shown
remorse for the murder, police say. One was reported to have bragged, "I
got my body."
Pearson was well-known and liked by many of the older residents of
the area. He was described as kind-hearted and helpful during his three
or four years on the street, which began after his mother died. Children
in the neighborhood nicknamed him Mr. Billy. Local teenagers, however,
frequently harassed him.
Both Washington and Robinson were charged as adults with murder and
criminal possession of a weapon. In April of 2005, a jury took only a
few hours to convict Robinson of second-degree murder. In May of 2005,
Robinson was given the maximum sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
"You took a helpless person and stoned him to death.... I can think of
few crimes that are worse than that," Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice
Anne Feldman told Robinson, now 16.
Sources: New York Daily News, "Beaten to death at Mary's feet,"
6/18/04; New York Times, "Homeless Man Dies in Beating; Police Arrest 2
Teenagers," 6/18/04; New York Times, "Homeless Man is Killed; 2
Teenagers Are Arrested," 6/18/04; New York Post, "I Got My Body,"
6/18/04; Newsday, "Killing of Homeless Man," 6/19/04; New York Daily
News, "Homeless Man's Killer Gets Max," 5/3/05; New York Times,
"Teenager Gets Maximum Term for Killing Homeless Man," 5/4/05.
Santa Cruz, California
Homeless Man Beaten
June 16: A homeless man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was attacked
with baseball bats by a group of young men as he slept outdoors in his
sleeping bag.
Source: Homeless United for Friendship and Freedom (HUFF), 6/16/04.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Killing of Bar Owner Stirs Up Hatred Against Homeless
June 24: According to District Attorney Tim Harris, bar owner Shawn
Howard, 35, and bar manager Josh Martin came upon homeless man Terry
Badgewell, 39, as they were attempting to drive away drug dealers. The
two men ordered Badgewell to leave. An altercation ensued in which
Howard struck Badgewell in the face with brass knuckles. In turn,
Badgewell hit Howard repeatedly with a pipe, killing him. Since the
incident, Tulsa's homeless citizens have faced intense criticism and
discrimination.
Wanted posters have been placed around town prominently featuring
Badgewell's image. T-shirts stating, "Fuck the homeless" have been
printed and distributed throughout Tulsa. Homeless people who frequent a
local Salvation Army shelter have been chased away.
Harris declined to prosecute the case, saying that the evidence
indicates that Badgewell was acting in self-defense. However, Howard's
mother filed a petition in August seeking a grand jury probe of her
son's death. The petition received enough signatures to warrant the
creation of a grand jury to indict Badgewell.
Badgewell has been in jail since December 9, 2004. He faces trial on
charges of first-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. "We
will defend this vigorously," said Badgewell's attorney, Steve Hjelm.
Sources: Associated Press, "Tulsa Bar Owner's Family Fails To Sway
Prosecutor," 8/2/04; AP, "Fatal beating of bar owner by homeless man
leads to backlash against homeless in Tulsa," 8/17/04; AP, "Petition
Granted For Grand Jury Investigation," 8/17/04; Seattle
Post-Intelligencer, "Tulsa killing sparks war against homeless,"
8/17/04; Chicago Sun-Times, "Oklahomans lash out at homeless for
slaying," 8/18/04; AP, "Grand jury indicts man in death of bar owner,"
12/9/04; AP, "Man bound over for trial on beating charges," 4/28/05.
Baltimore, Maryland
Man arrested for fatal beating of homeless man
July 6: James Edward Johnson, 39, was arrested for the fatal beating of
Keith Lusby, 48, a homeless man. Witnesses say that Johnson attacked him
after Lusby made a negative comment to Johnson's girlfriend. Lusby's
severely beaten body was found behind a gas station. The state medical
examiner's office determined that he died from fatal head injuries.
Source: Baltimore Sun, "Essex man arrested in fatal beating; murder
charge is filed in homeless man's death," 7/06/04.
Galveston, Texas
Tensions Mounting After Attacks on Homeless
July 17: The homeless community of Galveston has experienced attacks,
virtually every day, at the hands of teenagers armed with bats, knives,
and guns. Between April and June, 18 homeless people were hospitalized
due to these assaults.
Stephen Davis, 39, was chased by bicyclists wielding bats, and saved
only by a motorist who opened her car door to let him in. Michael
Seesman, 50, pointed out holes in windows where BB pellets were shot at
a homeless camp. Roy Wright suffered a slash on his arm from shoulder to
elbow, while his friend was beaten into a concussion.
Local homeless people note that many more attacks have occurred.
Incidents go unreported due to negative relations between police and
homeless people, where 83 citations have already been given this year
for impeding the sidewalk, each costing up to $127.
Source: Houston Chronicle, "Men blame teens for rash of attacks at
Galveston camp," 7/16/04.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Teens Seek out a Homeless Man to Beat and Kill
July 29: The body of Horacio Lima, 43, was found underneath a bridge in
Milwaukee. Police say that he was beaten over the head repeatedly with
what was probably a piece of lumber. According to the reports of other
homeless people, this beating was one of many violent acts against the
homeless community in that area. Police are searching for two suspects
in the case, but no arrests have been made.
Sources: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Death of Homeless Man Draws
Inquiry," 7/31/04; The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Attackers Bash,"
8/3/04.
Oakland, California
Homeless Man Murdered by Teens Claiming "Boredom"
July 17: Two 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old were arrested and charged
with murder in the beating death of Dalrus Joseph Brown, 52. The boys
began to hit and kick the sleeping homeless man, and then shot him
repeatedly with a BB gun. Finally, they beat him with wooden boards and
ripped apart his makeshift shelter.
Brown, who made money by recycling cans, was found dead with his face
and clothing covered in blood. Police reported that the boys claimed to
have killed Brown because "they were bored and they didn't have anything
to do." The vicious attack on Brown came on the heels of several other
attacks on homeless men in the area similarly involving boards and
weapons.
Sources: Oakland Tribune, "Homeless man killed by youths," 7/18/04;
KTVU, "Vicious Thugs Terrorize Oakland Homeless," 7/19/04; San Francisco
Chronicle, "Youths' fatal beating of homeless man is mystery to his
family," 7/20/04; Oakland Tribune, "3 teens arrested in homeless man's
death," 7/24/04; Bay City News, "Police: Teens in Homeless Beating Were
Bored," 7/26/04; Associated Press, "Suspects in Slaying of Homeless Man
Just 'Bored," 7/27/04; Street Spirit, "The Murder of a Homeless Man in
Oakland," August 2004; San Francisco Bay View, "Attacks along the
railroad tracks," 8/11/04.
Anchorage, Alaska
Youths Attack Homeless Man, Flee in Stolen Car
August 19: Three 14-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl were involved
in the assault of a 54-year-old homeless man in the early morning of
August 19. The boys knocked the man down and repeatedly kicked and
punched him as the girl stood by watching. The teens fled in a car after
an off-duty police officer stopped to assist the man. All four were
arrested soon after they abandoned the vehicle at a gas station and
tried to run from police.
The girl told police that the three boys had beaten another homeless
man without provocation just an hour before. All three of the boys were
charged with assault, while two of the boys and the girl were charged
with vehicular theft.
According to Don Bertis, director of a local shelter, reports of
abuse are not uncommon, though many go undocumented. In the past month,
a man's tent was set on fire and two other people were beaten to the
point of needing medical attention.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Homeless Man Attacked
August 26: A 50-year-old homeless man was robbed and assaulted by a man
who stole his watch. The victim gave police the first name of his
attacker, who is suspected of attacking a number of other homeless
people in the area in recent weeks.
Source: Everything Michigan, "Homeless man assaulted, robbed,"
8/26/04.
Chicago, Illinois
Sleeping Homeless Man Beaten to Death
August 10: James Z. Cotton, 22, was arrested and charged with
first-degree murder in the beating death of 63-year-old homeless man
Floyd Johnson, locally known as Rico. Cotton admitted that he stomped on
and kicked Johnson before beating him to death with pieces of Johnson's
own wooden table. Police discovered Johnson with massive head injuries
on the sidewalk where he slept. He died at a nearby hospital.
Johnson's friends describe him as a good and respectful man who was
constantly the victim of cruelty. Both his walker and cane had been
stolen. In another case, an unknown attacker exploded fireworks in his
mouth while he slept.
Sources: ABC 7, "Homeless man beaten to death," 8/10/04; Chicago
Tribune, "Homeless man beaten to death on sidewalk," 8/11/04; Chicago
Tribune, "Suspect held in beating death of homeless man," 8/15/04.
Denver, Colorado
Homeless Man in Wheelchair Stabbed to Death
August 7: Curtis Gordon Adams, 33, was arrested in the stabbing death of
homeless man Clyde Ashcraft, 38. Neighbors suspect that Adams had paid
Ashcraft to let him beat him up in order to impress an ex-girlfriend.
Adams and the ex-girlfriend began arguing in the middle of the street in
the late afternoon, as Ashcraft sat nearby in his wheelchair. Witnesses
reported that Adams then pulled out a knife and began punching and
stabbing Ashcraft, finally killing him with a stab to the throat.
After Ashcraft collapsed back into his wheelchair, Adams whipped his
hands down Ashcraft's body, then licked the blood from his fingers. A
neighbor stood by Ashcraft's side, comforting him as he died.
Ashcraft had lived on the streets for five years. Frostbite claimed
half of his right foot and all the toes on his left; he used a
wheelchair for support. Ashcraft and his dog were close to finding a
permanent home through Section 8 housing. Friends of Ashcraft believe it
was far-fetched for him to agree to a paid beating. Police had no
comments.
Sources: The Denver Post, "Painful life, brutal ending in city
street," 8/08/04; The Denver Post, "Homeless man slain in bizarre
stabbing," 8/10/04.
Greenville, North Carolina
Rock-Throwing Attacks at Homeless Shelter
August 25: Officials at the Greenville Community Shelters stated that
shelter residents have reported attacks that ranged from egg throwing to
violent assaults. The police have only received one official report of
an assault against a homeless person. However, Lou Williams, shelter
operations manager, said that there have been five incidents involving
homeless people in or near the shelter. In May, June and August, groups
of youths threw rocks at the shelter and its homeless occupants.
Source: The Daily Reflector, "Police: No pattern in attacks near
shelter," 8/25/04.
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico
Homeless Man Wounded in Pre-Dawn Shooting
August 10: According to police reports, homeless man Meftali Mojica was
wounded in a pre-dawn shooting. The unidentified attacker stepped out of
his car and shot Mojica in the abdomen before speeding away.
Source: The San Juan Star, "Homeless man wounded in pre-dawn
shooting," 8/10/05.
Aurora, Illinois
Homeless Man Shot and Beaten Behind a Church
September 28: Up to six men attacked a 56-year-old homeless man behind a
church. The man had been sleeping in a tent when he heard approaching
footsteps. Upon leaving his tent, he was blinded by a light and then
shot twice in the stomach with a pellet gun. In addition he was punched
in the arm and the head, causing him to fall to the ground. The man was
treated at a local hospital for his injuries.
Source: Aurora Beacon News, "Homeless man beaten behind church,"
9/30/04.
Clinton Township, Michigan
Youths Attack Two Homeless Men
September 24: Three youths attacked two homeless men by pelting them
with rocks under a bridge. Each teen has been charged with two counts of
assault with a deadly weapon and disturbing the peace.
Source: The Detroit News, "Seniors may be targets of attacks,"
11/15/04.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Teens Kill Homeless Man Over $5 Dispute
September 21: Three teenagers were arrested for the murder of a
48-year-old homeless man, Thomas Hardy. All three teens will be tried as
adults. Jason Schwartz, 17, Anthony Glacken, 17, and Dustin Moser, 18,
were all charged with second and third-degree murder, robbery, and
criminal conspiracy. Moser is also charged with first-degree murder.
Police say that Glacken and Schwartz had attended a party at the
campsite where Hardy's body was later found. Hardy gave several beers to
the teens, for which Glacken says he paid. An argument broke out and
Schwartz hit Hardy several times.
The teens left the campsite and returned later with Moser to "finish
the fight" and get Glacken's money back. The three teens repeatedly beat
Hardy over the head with their fists and a wooden log until he was
unconscious. They then rifled through his pockets, stealing his money,
wallet, ID, and lottery tickets. Hardy died of blunt force trauma to the
head.
Sources: Gettysburg Times, "Homeless man murdered," 9/24/04; Patriot
News, "3 face trial in beating death; Teens Robbed Homeless Man of $4 at
his campsite, police say," 9/30/04; Evening Sun, "Hardy murder trial on
docket," 12/30/04.
Loiza, Puerto Rico
Homeless Man Target of Drive-by Shooting
September 27: Edwin Vazquez Parrilla, 30, was wounded Saturday night in
a drive-by shooting. An unidentified gunman pulled up and shot the
homeless man in the leg before driving off. He was taken to Carolina
Regional Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
Source: The San Juan Star, "Homeless man target of drive-by
shooting," 9/27/04.
Albany, New York
Teens Beat Homeless Man, Then Torch His Belongings
September 18: Two 16-year-old girls, Princess Gause and Tyleisha Dutton,
pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminal mischief after they attacked a
50-year-old homeless Navy veteran named Michael Coene. The girls were
arrested after they bragged to friends at school about the attack.
The teens admitted buying gasoline, pouring it on Coene's belongings,
and lighting them on fire as a 14-year-old companion beat Coene with a
shovel handle. Coene lost everything he owned, including his Bible, his
insulin, and his clothes. Coene suffered an injured knee and hand in the
attack, and needed stitches in his left ear. The local Homeless Action
Committee and private donors have started a fund to help Coene.
Gause and Dutton must now undergo psychiatric evaluations and
complete 100 hours of community service in nearby homeless shelters. The
boy has been charged with felony assault.
Sources: Times Union, "After beating, homeless man grateful for
help," 10/21/04; Capital 9 News, "Fund started for homeless man,"
10/21/04; WTEN, "Two More Arrested In Homeless Man Beating," 10/22/04;
Fox 23, "More Teens Charged In Homeless Man Attack," 10/24/04; Street
Roots, "Teens admit involvement in attack on homeless man," 11/22/04;
Times Union, "Teenage girls admit roles in beating, fire," 12/1/04.
Corvallis, Oregon
Teens Brutally Beat Homeless Man to Death
September 20: Three teenagers were arrested and charged with murder,
first-degree manslaughter, and second-degree assault in the beating
death of 52-year-old Mark Miller. Miller, who friends say began to turn
his life around by doing odd jobs for local families, was found beaten
to death under a bridge. His injuries ranged from broken ribs and a
broken nose to a lacerated liver and a collapsed lung. Cruise Cassidy,
19, Michael Martin, 19, and Tyler Boyce, 15, had several confrontations
with Miller in the weeks before his death. All three will be tried as
adults.
Sources: KEZI, "Homeless Man Beaten to Death," 10/21/04; Corvallis
Gazette-Times, "Negotiations under way in homicide case," 1/5/05.
Denver, Colorado
Numerous Homeless Deaths Recall Killings of 1999
September 17: As of September 2004, at least nine homeless men have been
murdered in Denver, eclipsing the seven murders of Denver homeless men
in 1999. Three of this year's cases have been solved; yet only one of
the cases from 1999 has been solved. The victims killed in the past
months were Richard Darwin Torres, David Tricola, Mark Iverson, Gary
Trujillo, Clyde Ashcraft, Lee Goldsmith, Anastacio Rodriguez, Stephen
Nye, and Michael Weibel. They were variously beaten, shot, run over, or
stabbed.
Only one suspect, Steven Frank Lucero, 38, has been arrested. He will
be tried for the stabbing death of Michael Weibel.
Many other attacks on the homeless have occurred as well. Five teens
beat a homeless man with a two-by-four near the South Platte River.
Another group beat a man in a wheelchair, stealing his prescription pain
medicine. Ned Sokolovic, during his first night homeless, was robbed of
all his money and beaten with a tire iron.
Homeless people have expressed alarm about the escalating violence
often initiated by thrill-seeking youths. One homeless man reported that
three youths recently pummeled him just for fun while he was having a
seizure. Another homeless man said he was beaten by a group of young men
and women after he tried to stop them from hitting a girl.
Ed Valerio, a police officer who has worked with homeless people for
seven years, said Denver's homeless know that at night they must group
together to avoid young drunks who prey on them. The police do not
believe a link exists between the recent homicides and the 1999 murders.
Sources: Denver Post, "Deaths of 2 men being investigated," 6/30/04;
Denver Post, "Another homeless man killed. Second body is found; police
believe slayings are not related," 7/01/04; Denver Post, "On Denver's
streets, the homeless are easy prey," 10/17/04; Denver VOICE, "Violence
on the Street," September 2004; Denver VOICE, "It's 1999, all over
again!" November 2004.
Fairfax, Virginia
Homeless Man Found Bleeding and Unconscious
September 28: A 51-year-old homeless man was found bleeding and
unresponsive after being beaten by a teenager as he crossed a street.
The man was flown to Inova Fairfax Hospital for treatment. The suspect,
who remains at large, is a white male, approximately 17 years old, 6
feet tall, 170 pounds, with short brown hair and a black leather jacket.
Sources: NBC 4, "Homeless Man Beat In Fairfax County," 10/28/04;
Washington Post, "Fairfax Homeless Man Beaten by Youth," 10/29/04.
Keizer, Oregon
Homeless Woman Suffocated
September 24: Homeless woman Patricia Ann Harkey, 38, was found
suffocated outside the home of Ryan Lee Vetter, 30. Vetter, who has a
criminal history including kidnapping and assault, was arrested and
charged with the murder.
Sources: KATU, "Keizer man charged in death of homeless woman,"
10/24/04; Associated Press, "Keizer Woman Was Suffocated," 10/26/04.
Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
Homeless Man Attacked By Park Rangers
Two park rangers accosted a homeless man, who had been allowed to use
the state park shower facilities free of charge, when he attempted to
take his weekly shower. The rangers, who were not wearing official
uniforms and did not identify themselves, asked to search the man's
backpack and frisk him.
Fearing an assault, the man asked for a senior ranger or a police
officer to be present. The rangers refused, and insisted that he hand
over his backpack. When he did not, they began to kick and wrestle with
him. One ranger struck him with a flashlight, cracking his collarbone.
The man was then handcuffed and taken to the Sheriff's Department. His
bicycle and belongings were confiscated and not returned for several
days. The homeless man was only allowed to leave the jail after his
pastor posted bail.
Source: Incident Report, Davy Crockett State Park, Lawrenceburg, TN,
Sept. 2004.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Teens Brutally Beat Homeless Man to Death
September 10: Three teenagers have been arrested and charged as adults
with first-degree homicide in the beating death of Rex Baum, 49. Andrew
Ihrcke, 17, Luis Oyola, 16, and Nathan Moore, 15, admitted to killing
the homeless man, who died of multiple blunt force trauma.
Ihrcke told police that the three teens went into the woods looking
for "where the bum lived." They came across Baum in the forest, and
asked him to buy them beer. He agreed, and the four drank together. As
Baum went to get a sandwich from his cooler, Ihrcke began throwing
leaves and wrappers at Baum's head, while another teen smeared feces on
his ear.
Moore threw a stick at Baum's face, causing him to bleed. The beating
soon escalated, as the teens attacked Baum with rocks, a flashlight, a
grill, a pipe, a bat, and their feet. More feces were smeared on Baum's
head. Baum tried to escape, but the teens decided to kill him to keep
him from going to police.
They continued beating Baum until they suspected he was dead.
According to a criminal complaint report, the teens beat the man for
fun, and then "hit the victim one last time to see if he would make a
sound like in Grand Theft Auto. He didn't." Ihrcke then pulled out a
knife and cut Baum twice to see if he was still alive. "He didn't move
or nothing," Ihrcke said.
After they killed Baum, the teens wiped the bat clean and covered his
body with plastic and rocks, hoping animals would eat him before the
body was discovered. Another homeless man found Baum two days later.
Over 100 friends, relatives, and strangers attended Baum's funeral.
He was a familiar and welcome face for many in the town; remembered as a
hardworking, friendly, helpful and generous man. Faisal Bhimani, a local
storeowner for whom Baum often did odd jobs, said that he had just lost
his best friend.
Baum is not the first homeless man to be murdered in the area in
recent months. A 43-year-old homeless man was found beaten to death
under a viaduct in July.
In March 2005, Ihrcke pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of
first-degree reckless homicide, as did Nathan Moore. Both face up to 60
years in prison. The third defendant, Luis Oyola, faces a possible plea
deal on a charge of first-degree homicide, which carries a mandatory
life sentence.
Sources: Milwaukee Channel, "3 Milwaukee Teens Charged With Beating,
Killing Homeless Man," 10/15/04; Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, "3 teens
charged in homeless man's death," 10/19/04; Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel,
"Death of Homeless Man Leaves Many in Bay View Shaken and Saddened,"
10/20/04.
New York City, New York
Homeless Man Beaten to Death with Trash Can
September 30: Jose Cantue, a 61-year-old homeless man, was attacked
after speaking to a woman passing by. Witnesses said the woman's
companion became extremely upset and hit the homeless man with a garbage
can, despite the woman's pleas for him to stop. The injured man was
taken to St. Vincent's Hospital for treatment. He died on November 11.
No arrests have been made. The suspect, in his 20s, was with three
women at the time. Neither the suspect nor the women have been
identified. John Caserta, a friend of Cantue's, said, "He helped kids
cross the street. He gave them candy and toys. He didn't deserve what he
got."
Source: Newsday, "Homeless man critical after attack," 10/31/04; New
York Daily News, "Pushed Panhandler Dies," 11/12/04.
Toms River, New Jersey
Teens Beat Homeless People in "Bum-Hunting" Attacks
September 22: Five Toms River High School seniors have been arrested for
allegedly attacking three local homeless people because they were
"bored." Frank Novak, 18, along with two 17-year-olds, were charged with
aggravated assault. Two other 17-year-olds were charged with aggravated
assault and criminal mischief.
The most recent attack occurred when a homeless man, Larry Radomski,
50, reported being beaten with pipes and baseball bats as he slept in
the woods. The teens also threw hockey pucks at him. He suffered five
broken ribs, a fractured arm, and a punctured lung. This was the second
assault against him by teens that day.
Earlier in September, the group allegedly threw bricks at a
42-year-old homeless woman, who required hospitalization after being hit
twice in the head and suffered from facial lacerations. In June, a
44-year-old homeless man was attacked by a group of teens that hit him
with their fists and a golf club, causing injuries to his shoulders,
arms and face.
Police Chief Michael Mastronardy was reported as saying, "Apparently
they were actually searching people out who are homeless... merely
because of their stature in life." The teens later bragged about their
so-called "bum-hunting" at school.
Sources: Newsday, "5 teens held in 'bum hunting' attacks on
homeless," 10/28/04; International Homelessness, "Beating of homeless
stun most TR students," 10/31/04; Asbury Park Press, "Homeless Man
Injured Again," 11/07/04; Asbury Park Press, "Adult trial sought in
homeless assaults," 11/13/04; Ocean County Observer, " 'Bum Hunters'
could be tried as adults," 11/14/04.
Waverly, Ohio
Gay Homeless Man Beaten, Left to Die in Dumpster
September 2: Matthew Ferman, 22, James Trent Jr., 19, and Martin Baxter,
28, were arrested for the beating death of Daniel Fetty, 39. Fetty, who
had a hearing impairment and had recently lost his apartment in a fire,
was living out of his car and working as a dishwasher to save up money
for a new apartment. He was found naked and beaten in a dumpster. He
died 12 hours later at Grant Medical Center in Columbus.
Ferman, Trent, and Baxter allegedly robbed Fetty and beat him with
boards and bricks before stuffing him into the dumpster and leaving him
for dead. Pike County Prosecutor Robert Junk called Fetty's case one of
the most gruesome he has ever seen. He believes that Fetty's sexuality
may have played a role in the attack.
Trent was convicted on December 6 of involuntary manslaughter. Baxter
and Ferman, whose crime is now being called a hate crime by Junk, are
facing the death penalty with two charges of aggravated murder,
aggravated robbery, tampering with evidence, and abduction. Baxter's
trial is set to begin September 11, while Ferman's will begin January 9,
2006.
Sources: NBC 4, "Homeless Man Found Beaten, Later Dies," 10/04/04;
AP, "Three men charged with murder in beating of homeless man,"
10/05/04; NBC 4, "Men Charged In Homeless Man's Death Won't Face Death
Penalty," 10/15/04; Street Vibes, "Two men in Ohio indicted in the
beating death of a homeless man," November 2004; Chillicothe Gazette,
"Baxter, Ferman arraigned again," 12/11/04; Akron Beacon Journal, "New
charges in homeless slaying: Prosecutor says killing was hate crime
because Ohio victim was gay," 12/13/03; New York Blade, "Two face
hate-crime charges in beating death of homeless man," 12/17/04;
www.gaypeopleschronicles.com., "Trial dates set in killing of
Waverly deaf gay man," 3/25/05.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Homeless Senior Beaten With Belt Buckles
November: A homeless male was attacked and beaten by many assailants
while he slept. Four assailants crept up on the man in the middle of the
night and proceeded to whip him with a belt buckle. He sustained
injuries on his back, as he was able to cover his face and head.
Source: Cynthia Contreras, Paralegal/ Community Education
Coordinator, Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Inc., 5/31/05.
Key West, Florida
Homeless Man Critically Injured in Vicious Assault
November 16: James Boyts, 52, was severely beaten early in the morning
by William Willis, 18, and Jeffery Carbonell, 19. Carbonell was charged
with aggravated battery; Willis was charged with aggravated battery,
possession of marijuana with intent to sell and drug paraphernalia.
Boyts suffered severe facial injuries after he was hit and kicked
several times by Willis and Carbonell. Bleeding heavily from head
wounds, he was airlifted to Baptist Hospital in Miami where he was
listed in critical condition. Before that attack, Boyts had previously
been harassed and had rocks thrown at him by two other men. Both Willis
and Carbonell had blood on their shoes when police accosted them.
Sources: The Miami Herald, "Teens charged with beating homeless man,"
11/17/04; Key West Citizen, "Homeless beating victim stable after
surgery," 11/18/04.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Rapists Target Homeless Transgender Youth
November 17: At least seven female transgender African American youths
have reported being raped in Minneapolis in recent months. Many of the
victims are homeless. Police have made no arrests.
Source: Bath Holger, The Bridge, 11/17/04.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following people helped research, write, edit and layout this NCH
report:
Michael Stoops: NCH executive director
Emmett Keller: researched, wrote and edited the narrative portion of the
report
Natalie Khorochev: formatting and editing of the report
Tim King: initial research and writing
Michelle Lee: final editing and layout
Molly Neck: advisor for 2004 report
Hanh Nguyen: research and writing on the "Bumfights" section of report
Adam C. Sloane: pro bono legal assistance for 2004 report
Hunter Williams: formatting and editing of the report
STREET SPIRIT
1515 Webster St,#303
Oakland, CA 94612Phone: (510) 238-8080, ext. 303
email: spirit@afsc.org
Hate,
Violence, and Death on Main Street USA
back