I have to agree with @MomofJandL . The motivation is at most secondary to the crime. The crime is what should be punished, regardless of motive. Perhaps motive could become a factor in sentencing.
I am very uneasy with the “thought police” aspect of hate crime legislation. I realize that, historically, the problem was that law enforcement at some times and in some places was NOT vigorously–or in some cases, at all–pursuing crimes such as assault when the victim was gay, black, or any kind of minority. I realize that this still happens. But to me, the best answer is to require vigorous enforcement of existing laws, not to create a new class of crime.
Note that the hate crime charge is the lowest level felony (class 4 felony); the other charges are for crimes considered more severe in Illinois (class X, 2, 3 felonies).
I have no words, I hope no stone is left unturned during their prosecution. I do wonder given that this young man was disabled how his parents let him have such free rein. I never let my kid spend the night at a friends without checking with the parent/s. This is in no way blaming the parents, but given his disabilities, I am
shocked it took a couple of days for them to question his whereabouts.
I am glad bailed was denied. The young man mentioned in post #23 was allowed to get away with sexually assaulting a disabled man. I only wish that case had received more attention, maybe the punishment wouldve been harsher.
On @marvin100’s post: My 14 year old knew of this case and said to me yesterday that he cannot understand how a court - a judge - could fail to see and understand the targeted, brutal hate-filled nature of the story in your link, and then how anyone could think these crimes were not mirrors of the other, warranting equally harsh sentences.
It was hard to try and use words, other than my angry, embittered words, to talk to him about these cases.
My best friend has a special needs young adult son (mental age of about 7, severely autistic among many other things). She is very aware of how vulnerable he is because he is so desperate for friendship. The part of this story where this young man’s “friend” was part of the abuse just broke my heart. I think the specific targeting of him because he is particulary vulnerable does lend an added element to the crime that should be addressed.
There is a gofundme page for this young man. So far $94,000 has been raised to help him.
If interested search for “lets-show-the-chicago-victim-love.” on the website.
I need to pray for spiritual guidance to restrain my anger at the perpetrators, and to keep my thoughts about how I want them to be punished righteous and not vengeful. That is not easy.
Everyone is assuming that the 18 year old had a much younger mental age. I read that he had ADD and schizophrenia, which may not have made him delayed. I’m sure the parents wanted him to be accepted by peers, to be included, to have a social life. This wasn’t a good choice of friends, obviously, but I don’t think it is unusual for the parents of an 18 year old to want him to spend a Saturday night with a school friend.
This is a horrible thing to happen to anyone. The special circumstance of the victim usually adds to the sentence.