Hate crime suspect pleads guilty to beating

Wednesday, March 28, 2007  

An 18-year-old man pleaded guilty to the beating and attempted kidnapping of a Navajo man in a crime that heightened racial tensions in Farmington, New Mexico.

John Winer is the first to plead guilty for the July 4, 2006, beating of William Blackie, a Navajo man. He was one of three young white males charged in connection with the incident.

In addition to admitting his crime, Winer agreed that he was motivated to act out of hate. That means his sentence can be enhanced under the state's Hate Crimes Act.

Get the Story:
Hate crime suspect admits to act; pleads guilty (The Farmington Daily Times 3/28)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Navajo Nation Council - http://www.navajonationcouncil.org

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