Stories about LGBT youth being murdered and assaulted in anti-gay crimes or about youngsters committing or trying to
- Shannon Barry, photo by Larry Wong of the Edmonton Journal
commit suicide after being relentlessly bullied have been making headlines continuously for months now. Now out of Edmonton comes a story that shows the flip side of how anti-gay bigotry and hatred are damaging our children.
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault in connection with a recent attack on a 31-year-old lesbian.
Shannon Barry told police she was walking along on Edmonton street in the early morning hours of April 17 when a group of men began yelling homophobic slurs at her and then attacked her. During the assault she was kicked in the face, a blow that broke her jaw and the bone under her left eye. Barry had to undergo reconstructive surgery to repair the damage and may have lasting nerve damage, according to a report by Andrea Sands in the Edmonton Journal.
The article also noted that the police officer investigating the case complicated matters for Barry by not completing his report before leaving for several days off, and that Edmonton police seem hesitant to classify the attack as a hate crime.
Youth charged in assault case
For Immediate Release:24-Apr-2010 @ 4:30 PM
MRU #:10R079-1
EPS File #:
Edmonton Police Service officers have charged a 14-year-old male with aggravated assault in connection with the attack on a 31-year-old female on Saturday, April 17, 2010 in the area of 76 Avenue and 96 Street.
The attack left the victim with serious facial injuries.
Follow-up investigation by Hate Crime Unit officers, SW division members and other specialized units within the EPS over the past few days resulted in persons of interest being located in south Edmonton on Friday. Following further investigation a 14-year-old male was taken into custody last night.
After conducting numerous interviews with witnesses, and persons of interest, EPS Hate Crime Unit officers concluded that while an assault occurred, it was not determined to be a hate crime. “We have confirmed that the incident was random and that the victim was not specifically targeted,” says constable Patrick Ruzage.
The name of the male youth cannot be released under The Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Background:
At approximately 3:42 a.m. on Saturday, April 17, 2010, southwest division patrol officers responded to a report of an assault in the area of 76 Avenue and 96 Street. A group of six females stepped out of a taxi cab and were approached by three to four males. A short time later, the 31-year-old female was suddenly assaulted by one male. Information received at the time was limited as the complainants were intoxicated.
The female victim suffered serious facial injuries. None of the other females were injured.
Anyone with information is asked to call the EPS ‘Dispatch Line’ at 423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
A 14 year old out on the streets at 3:42 AM. I’m sure the parents have a good explanation.
I am a bit confused, what led the boys to determine this lady was a lesbian?? was she holding hands with her partner? I just dont understand why its being labelled a hate crime when it seems to be a random attack on an innocent person?
Cara, I think the reason you are confused is because this crime has NOT been labeled as a hate crime. Both the original article and the follow up article in the comments section state such.