Hate Crime Connection?
Report: Indictments Expected in Newark Triple Murders
An update to the investigation into the fatal shootings of three Newark college students who were killed only hours before they planned to attend a black gay pride festival. Prosecutor say a grand jury could return indictments as soon as next month.
Terrance Aeriel, Iofemi Hightower and Dashon Harvey were killed in August 4, 2007 when they were shot execution style outside a Newark elementary school. Harvey was openly gay, Hightower may have been lesbian, and, the friends “had planned to drive together to New York City the next morning to attend a black Gay Pride event at Riis Park Beach.” Police also say at least one woman was sexually assaulted. Six men, ranging in age from 16 to 28, face murder, aggravated sexual assault, robbery and weapon possession charges
Paul Loriquet, a spokesperson for the Essex County prosecutor’s office, tells the Washington Blade the grand jury is expected to finish its investigation in September or October. The grand jury will be asked to return indictments affirming charges stemming from the triple murder.
Although one of the victims was openly gay, authorities have declined to file hate crime charges in the case. Reportedly the victims’ families “do not want” their deceased children identified as gay.
Indictments Expected Soon in Newark Triple Murder [WaBl]
Some Background …
Families of Newark Triple Murder Victims Do Not Want Case Prosecuted as Hate Crime [R20]
Newark Triple Murders an Anti-Gay Hate Crime? [R20]
Triple Murders Victims Were in “the Gay Clique” [R20]
Newark Triple Murders: Sexual Assault, Gay Angle [R20]
Posted by Rod at 14:03 in Crime, Current Affairs, Gay, New Jersey, New York | Permalink