Strategic Federal And State Criminal Defense

Musician dead following possible hate crime

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2016 | Federal Crimes

A musician who was found dead on the street by law enforcement officials on Nov. 12 is believed to have been the victim of a hate crime, according to news sources. The incident occurred in the northern part of California.

Police have stated that the 28-year-old decedent was targeted and killed because of his race. Reports indicate that he had been robbed, beaten and shot before succumbing to his injuries at the scene. Two people have been charged in connection with the crime, and two people, who are believed to be armed and dangerous, remain wanted.

A 31-year-old Richmond man was detained on Nov. 16 and has since been charged with murder, robbery and a racially motivated hate crime. The mother of one of the men who is believed to have been involved in the fatal chain of events was taken into custody on suspicion of interfering with the investigation. Preliminary reports do not indicate the reason why authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Because assaults, homicides and other violent crimes may result in extremely serious penalties upon conviction, California residents who may be wanted by authorities in connection with such an incident may find it beneficial to seek legal advice at the first possible opportunity. An attorney who has experience in providing defense representation to people who have been issued these types of charges will want to start as soon as possible in constructing a strategy to use in an attempt to combat the allegations either before or at trial.

Source: New York Daily News, “KING: Will Sims, beloved musician, beaten and shot to death by three white men in a California hate crime,” Shaun King, Nov. 25, 2016