Related Federal Cases
- Hate Crime Indictment at Bastrop School · Louisiana
- Louisiana Crime Surge, 1930 · Louisiana
- Louisiana 1931: Crime Soars Amidst Depression and Prohibition · Louisiana
- Louisiana 1932: Crime Amidst Economic Woes · Louisiana
- Louisiana 1933: Crime Spikes Amidst Great Depression · Louisiana
Louisiana Man Charged with Hate Crime, Kidnapping, and Murder
A Louisiana man has been indicted on six counts, including hate crime, kidnapping, firearm, and obstruction charges, for his role in the attempted murder of a gay man and a plot to kidnap and murder other gay men.
Chance Seneca, 19, of Lafayette, was charged by a federal grand jury on March 18 based on his actions.
The indictment alleges that Seneca attempted to kidnap one man and successfully kidnapped two other men through his use of Grindr, a dating application for gay and bisexual men. The indictment further alleges that the defendant attempted to murder one of these men because of his gender and sexual orientation, and that the defendant intended to dismember and keep parts of the victim’s body as trophies, mementos, and food.
The statutory maximum for the hate crime, kidnapping, and firearm offenses is life imprisonment. The statutory maximum for the attempted kidnapping and obstruction offenses is 20 years. The statutory minimum for the gun charge is five years.
The indictment was announced today by Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pam Karlan of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and FBI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Bryan Vorndran.
The FBI conducted the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Abendroth of the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Thomas Johnson of the Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Defendant Information: Chance Seneca, 19, of Lafayette, Louisiana.
Criminal Charges: Hate crime, kidnapping, firearm, and obstruction charges.
City and State: Lafayette, Louisiana.
Date: June 19 and 20, 2020.
Sentence or Outcome: Currently awaiting trial.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime