31-year-old Oklahoma man Deaunte McPherson was arrested on September 16 after police found him to be involved in kidnapping and...
Three gay men, including one from Atlanta, who were robbed and beaten earlier this month in St. Lucia want police to arrest and prosecute their assailants. Others associated with the east Caribbean island, however, are concerned news of the attack will harm the island’s reputation and the tourism dollars it needs to survive.
The St. Lucia government issued an apology to Michael Baker of Atlanta, his boyfriend Nick Smith of South Carolina, and Todd Wiggins, who was living in St. Lucia with his partner at the time of the attack. Wiggins, formerly of Atlanta, and his partner, Tom Richman, are currently staying with relatives in South Georgia.
“St. Lucia does not condone such acts of violence [that] appeared to be perpetrated by individuals whose views do not reflect sentiments of the majority of law-abiding citizens,” the St. Lucia government said in a statement, according to a March 14 article in the Jamaica Observer.
The six male teens charged with felony armed robbery in the bias crime against a gay pastor and his friend will be charged as adults and face a bond hearing Aug. 19.
The teens, ages 13 through 19, have been indicted for felony armed robbery and were arraigned Aug. 2 in Fulton Superior Court when the bond hearing was set.
Those charged are Sam Johnson, 17; Benjamin Johnson, 16; and Daequan Lewis, 15, who are all listed as living at the same residence in Stone Mountain. Also charged is Jarvis Johnson, 19, of Parkway Drive in Atlanta. Sam Johnson was identified by APD as the gunman. Atlanta Police reports identified Jamal Bryant, 13, and Tyrone Smith, 16, as two other suspects who are also charged as adults.