Teen arrested in stabbing death of O'Shae Sibley charged with murder as a hate crime
NEW YORK -- The 17-year-old suspect arrested in the stabbing death of O'Shae Sibley has been charged with murder as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon, officials said at a news conference on Saturday.
Flowers, balloons and Pride flags sit at the site where the 28-year-old professional dancer was stabbed to death in Midwood, Brooklyn, on July 29.
Saturday, Mayor Eric Adams, alongside advocates and officials, spoke about the tragedy that unfolded at the Mobil gas station on Coney Island Avenue.
"This is a city where you are free to express yourself, and that expression should never end with any form of violence," Adams said. "We're going to create an environment where the city is safe and one should be allowed to dance, to express themselves, to dress the way they want."
Watch: Adams update on investigation into death of O'Shae Sibley
A 17-year-old was arrested Friday in connection with Sibley's death; because he's a minor, he's not being identified. The suspect has been charged with murder as a hate crime.
With a single stab wound, he's accused of killing Sibley, who was dancing with friends while pumping gas at the station. Police say the teen suspect, who is Muslim, made homophobic and racist comments. Advocates within the Islamic community spoke Saturday.
"As Muslims, we are commanded to stand up for justice, even if it means standing against our own selves. We unequivocally condemn the unjust murder of O'Shae," said Sonya Ali, executive director of the Muslim Community Center.
On Friday night, a rally was held in Brooklyn, many honoring him through dance before marching through the streets.
Sibley was a well-known dancer who was part of the ballroom community, which is predominantly made up of LGBTQ+ men of color.
An outpouring of support for O'Shae and his family has been widespread throughout social media across the country, even Beyoncé herself posting about Sibley's death on her website.
Saturday night, crowds were at Pier 46 for hours remembering Sibley through what he did best -- dance. It came after a heartfelt memorial for the beloved son, brother and friend.
"Just a ball of light. Just like he was. I want him to be remembered just the way he was," Sibley's father, Jake Kelly, said.
Kelly remembered his free-spirited, fun-loving son.
Saturday night started off with a remembrance at the LGBT Community Center in the West Village.
One of Sibley's closest friends Otis Peña was there when Sibley was stabbed.
"I find myself constantly blaming myself, but I know I can't because I know O'Shae would want me to pick myself up and keep going," Peña said. "It's been difficult getting through these times, but with every tragedy, there is also a miracle, and I believe the miracle will be made and justice will be served."
Peña led a march from The Center to Pier 46, a known gathering spot for the ballroom dance community, which O'Shae was a cherished part of. Candles were lit in the shape of his name, prop blood scattered around it, and of course, followed by voguing in Sibley's name.
Sibley's younger twin sisters plan to start an organization in their brother's name.
"I can't wait to go to trial because my brother didn't deserve this," Destineh Kelly said.
A funeral service is planned for Tuesday at the Met in Sibley's hometown of Philadelphia.