Yesterday, prosecutors elected to drop the assault charges against a Harlem man who allegedly beat a transgender woman to death in August, all because of confusion regarding who was actually responsible for the attack.
Despite this latest development, the New York Times reports that 20-year-old Paris Wilson could still be charged with with homicide, but additional evidence would be required. Assistant District Attorney Nick Viorst, who added that the investigation is ongoing, said the misdemeanor charges against Wilson were dropped because the case is "uniquely complex."
During the early hours of Aug. 17, 21-year-old Islan Nettles was walking with friends when a group of men began to yell homophobic slurs at them before one of the men savagely beat Nettles. Because the severity of Nettles' injuries were not known at the time, Wilson was charged with misdemeanor assault. However, Nettles slid into a coma and died about a week after the attack.
Days later, another man confessed to the assault, complicating the case. According to authorities, both he and Wilson were considered viable suspects.
This most recent turn of events has sparked outrage among New York's transgender community, who say Nettles' beating and death represent the danger they face on a daily basis.
[via New York Times]
