::: Robert Hannah, 19, was sentenced to 180 days behind bars Wednesday in connection with the Sept. 2008 beating death of a gay man, Washington Blade reports. Hannah had pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of simple assault for punching Tony Randolph Hunter during an altercation outside a DC gay bar. Hunter fell to the ground after he was punched and later died of the injuries. The light charge against Hannah outraged DC activists who say police and the US Attorney's office failed to pursue a more serious charge of murder or manslaughter against Hannah. Prosecutors counter that Hunter’s friends gave inconsistent and contradictory statements to investigators about events leading to Hunter’s death, and could not be considered a reliable witness, Washington Post reports. Hunter's family said they believe more people were involved. “My son was six-foot-three and about 200 pounds and a former army sergeant,” said his step-father after the sentencing hearing. “One punch from that little guy wouldn’t have done that. The [prosecutor] didn’t press the witnesses. They didn’t work hard enough.”
Source: Hannah gets 180 days in beating death of gay man - Washington Blade
Last modified: 14 Oct 09 02:02
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