Three Charged With Stabbing, Burning Gay Man In Texas

[NorthCarolina]

26-year-old Burke Bennett received 30 stitches to close stab wounds on his back and forearms inflicted by a broken beer bottle, reports the Dallas Voice, as well as second-degree burns and severe bruises after being assaulted at a private party on Sunday.

The attackers reportedly screamed slurs like "pussy-ass faggot," "gay bitch," and "cock-sucking punk," as they punched, stabbed, and eventually threw Burke onto a fire.



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But, though Burnett said the officer who investigated the assault told him the attack would be deemed a hate crime, it looks as though it may not be classified as such after all.

Both perpetrators are being charged with one count of aggravated assault with a a deadly weapon, and one count of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury -- first-degree felonies punishable by five to 99 years in prison the Dallas Voice notes.

Because there is no further penalty for a crime already labeled a first-degree felony if it's also designated a hate crime, it looks doubtful that prosecutors will pursue that route.

<snip>

The charges are second-degree felonies, punishable by up 20 years in prison, and not first-degree felonies as previously reported.

Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/02/daniel-martin-james-laster-charged-stabbing-burning-gay-man_n_1071820.html

Can we give Texas back to Mexico please?