Title: 17-Year-Old Charged with Hate Crime Murder Following Stabbing of Alvin Ailey Dancer
Date: August 5, 2023
Brooklyn, New York – A 17-year-old has been charged with murder as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon after the stabbing death of 28-year-old O’Shae Sibley, a professional dancer for Alvin Ailey and various dance troupes in New York City. The suspect, who remains unnamed due to being a minor, turned themselves into the NYPD on August 4.
Joseph Kenny, assistant chief at the NYPD’s detective bureau, confirmed that the suspect was a student at a high school near where the incident occurred. As of now, the 17-year-old is the sole individual facing charges in connection with the stabbing. It is unclear whether they will be tried as an adult.
Mayor Eric Adams, speaking at a press conference at the Midwood, Brooklyn gas station where Sibley was killed, emphasized the importance of freedom of expression in the city and condemned all forms of violence.
The fatal incident took place on July 29 at the Mobil Gas Station on Coney Island Avenue when Sibley and his friends stopped to get gas after a day at the beach. The group was dancing and vogueing to Beyonce’s “Renaissance” album, being performed live an hour away, when they were confronted by a group of individuals who ordered them to stop. According to a Facebook post by one of Sibley’s friends, the men stated, “We are Muslims and do not like gays!”
Sibley attempted to defuse the situation and stood up for his community, proclaiming that they would not live in fear or hiding. A scuffle broke out, and Sibley was fatally stabbed in the chest.
New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Signal, who is openly gay, expressed his grief and anger over Sibley’s death and called for an end to hate-fueled attacks.
In a show of support, Beyoncé paid tribute to Sibley by featuring the words “Rest in Power O’Shae Sibley” on her website’s homepage.
Sibley’s tragic death is the second incident in the New York City area this month where a hate crime or foul play is suspected. On July 6, Fernielle Mary Mora, a trans woman from the Bronx, was found dead in her apartment following threats to her life.
According to a report by the United States Department of Justice, violence against gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals over the age of 16 occurs at a rate more than two times that of heterosexual individuals.
Update: This article was updated on August 5 to reflect the charges against the 17-year-old suspect.
The authorities are actively investigating both cases and working to bring justice to the victims and their families.