Facebook Live footage of four people torturing and abusing a mentally disabled man circulated the web earlier today, driving people into a furor. In the disturbing 30-minute video, the attackers cut, punch and kick the bound man while shouting “fuck Donald Trump” and “fuck white people.” Those four people are being held in police custody and have now been charged with a number of crimes, including a hate crime. The crimes are listed below by assailant.
Jordan Hill, 18, has been charged with aggravated kidnapping, hate crime, aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, robbery, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and residential burglary.
Tesfaye Cooper, 18, has been charged with aggravated kidnapping, hate crime, aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and residential burglary.
Brittany Covington, 18, has been charged with aggravated kidnapping, hate crime, aggravated unlawful restraint, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and residential burglary.
Tanishia Covington, 24, has been charged with aggravated kidnapping, hate crime, aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Police initially found the victim wandering through the west side of Chicago and were able to locate the scene of the crime. In the process of the kidnapping, the quartet also stole a car. Police believe the four attackers targeted the 18 year old victim because he has “special needs,” rather than because he is white. All four will be tried as adults.
[via WGN]