It was one of the most disturbing crimes in recent memory in Chicago. A white mentally disabled man was tortured live on Facebook by a group of African American attackers shouting racist epithets. We discussed the case as a possible hate crime. Charges were brought against David Rahman, 20, and Eli Smith, 20, and Elizabeth Haela, 17. The men are accused of dragging the 23-year-old victim around the house, punching him, kicking him, burning him with a lighter and sexually assaulting him. They were charged with rape, kidnapping and multiple counts of assault and battery. Haela was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for kicking the victim. She has now been sentenced to only probation for four years.
Brittany Covington, 19, entered a plea for her role in narrating the film for hate crimes. Probation for her role in torturing and beating a disabled man and posting the attack for entertainment. Covington was also given probation. The result in the case should lead to a serious review of the prosecutors and process leading to such a light level of punishment for a heinous offense.
The judge ordered Covington not to use social media for four years – hardly an impressive penalty for a torture case. Notably, it was Hill who allegedly called the victim’s mother and asked for $300 in ransom for his return. I view this low level of punishment is truly shocking.
What do you think?