Accused In Stabbing Of T.O. Man Near Owen Sound Won’t Face Hate Crime Charges
Posted August 7, 2008 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It wasn’t a hate crime.
That’s what police in Owen Sound have concluded more than a week after a stabbing in the community that sent shock waves throughout Canada. A 42-year-old black male from Toronto was attacked while visiting the city about 190 kilometres from the GTA.
He suffered serious injuries as he left a bar, and was accused by his attackers of being the man who raped a local woman. Authorities allege she then gathered a sort of ‘revenge posse’ to get even. But the man had nothing to do with the previous incident and many were divided on whether it was a case of hate or simply mistaken identity.
Town officials and the law both argued for the latter and now that appears to have carried the day. Police have confirmed they won’t be laying hate crime charges in the case.
The victim was punched, kicked, and beaten with a piece of wood and finally stabbed in the chest. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition but rapidly improved and was released from care on Wednesday afternoon.
Two teens accused in the incident – both 19 – were in court Thursday and will be back before a judge next week. They’ve been charged with a range of offences, including aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and robbery and possession of stolen property.
Two others also faces charges.
But a hate crime isn’t among the accusations against any of them and local Police Chief Bill Sornberger assures none are pending.
