Nine youths are facing hate crime charges in the attack of an openly gay man in Springfield, Massachusetts.
According to Springfield Police Sergeant John Delaney, the 30-year-old victim was beaten and robbed at a park early Tuesday morning.
“He was knocked to the ground and punched in the face with closed fists, and kicked in the head and abdomen,” Delaney said. “During the beating, the females encouraged the males to beat up the victim.”
Delaney said the suspects also yelled anti-gay slurs at the victim.
Shay Andre Edwards, 19, was arrested on unarmed robbery and violation of civil rights with injury charges. Eight other suspects, ranging in ages 12 to 19, are also facing charges.
The victim was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was treated for head trauma and released. His MP3 player was stolen during the attack but was later found on one of the suspects.
The victim and the alleged attackers all live in the same neighborhood. Authorities say while none of the suspects knew the victim by name, they were familiar with him.
Edwards was released on his own recognizance pending a competency hearing set for Friday.
