Boston Brothers Charged With Hate Crimes For Beating Mexican Man
BOSTON (AP) — Two Boston brothers who claimed to be inspired in part by Donald Trump's views on immigrants face new hate crime charges for allegedly beating and urinating on a homeless Mexican man.
The indictments announced Friday charge Scott Leader, 38, and Steve Leader, 30, with civil rights violations while causing bodily injury, a charge that carries up to 10 years in prison.
Scott Leader allegedly told police after their arrest in August: "Donald Trump was right, all these illegals need to be deported," according to a state police report.
The Republican presidential candidate later denounced the attack. "Boston incident is terrible. We need energy and passion, but we must treat each other with respect," Trump tweeted. "I would never condone violence."
The 58-year-old victim was treated for a broken nose and other injuries.
Lawyers for the brothers did not immediately return calls seeking comment Friday.
Prosecutors have said the brothers encountered the man while heading home from a Boston Red Sox game, then urinated on him, punched him and beat him with a metal pole. He was sleeping near a train station at the time.
Witnesses flagged down a state trooper.
Scott Leader told police the victim instigated the confrontation.
In addition to the hate crime charges, the brothers are also charged with assault and battery for purposes of intimidation causing bodily injury, two counts each of assault and battery, and two counts each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.
Both men have been held in custody since their arrests. The indictments will move their cases to Suffolk Superior Court. No arraignment has been scheduled yet.
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