A disturbing hate crime in Kansas has sent shockwaves throughout the community, leaving a teenager with non-fatal injuries. According to authorities, 25-year-old Malachi Robinson is accused of shooting the victim with a 9mm handgun due to their sexual orientation.
The alleged incident occurred in Kansas City, Missouri, where a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Robinson with hate crime and firearm violations. If convicted, Robinson could face up to life in prison on the hate crime charge and a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, on the firearm charge. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 with respect to each charge.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore for the Western District of Missouri, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle of the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office and the Kansas City Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Ketchmark of the Western District of Missouri and Trial Attorneys Shan Patel and Eric Peffley of the Civil Rights Division. An indictment is merely an allegation, and Robinson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The alleged hate crime has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for increased efforts to combat hate crimes. The Justice Department has launched a number of initiatives to combat hate crimes, including the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
For more information and resources on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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