17-Year-Old Arrested in Deadly Gas Station Stabbing in Brooklyn, Investigation Points to Possible Hate Crime
NEW YORK — A 17-year-old has been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing at a gas station in Brooklyn over the weekend that claimed the life of a well-known dancer, according to police sources.
While charges have not yet been announced, authorities are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. The senseless act of violence has left those who knew the 28-year-old victim in shock, as they struggle to comprehend how an argument could escalate to such a tragic outcome.
“They were dancing. They were filling up on gas, but they were voguing, doing crazy, I can promise you. I wasn’t there, but I can tell you just from what I saw that’s just how they are. He comes out here and stops the music and just starts dancing and voguing and carrying on,” said Beckenbaur Hamilton, a neighbor and friend of the victim.
The victim, known for his impressive dance moves, was mourned by many who believe that he fell victim to a hate crime.
“He shows his colors. He’s not afraid. But he doesn’t go out there and say, ‘Oh, I’m this and that.’ But as soon as you see him, you know that’s a proud gay man,” Hamilton added.
Surveillance footage captured the incident, showing the victim involved in a dispute with a group of individuals outside the Midwood gas station on Saturday night. Witnesses explained that they were in the middle of dancing when a man approached them and allegedly made homophobic comments. The two groups engaged in an argument, and it was during this altercation that the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim. An anonymous witness shared that they attempted to intervene but saw the suspect fleeing the scene after inflicting the fatal blow.
The NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force has taken over the investigation and will be focusing on determining if the attack was motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation.
The loss of this vibrant dancer has saddened the local community and has sparked conversations about the ongoing issue of hate crimes. As the investigation continues, friends, family, and community members will be seeking justice for the victim and hoping for a swift resolution to this tragic incident.
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