Law

Man faces sentencing for hate crime beating

A 19-year-old man will be sentenced today for the racially-motivated beating of Navajo man in Farmington, New Mexico.

John Winer pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping, armed robbery, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and assault with intent to commit a violent felony. He admitted to acting acting out of hate for beating William Blackie last June.

Winer faces a sentence of up to 35 and a half years for his crimes, The Farmington Daily Times reported. Blackie is expected to make a statement at today's hearing, the paper said.

Two of Winer's co-defendants have not accepted pleas. C.L. Carney, 21, is set to go to trial on Thursday. Freddie Brooks, 21, was set to go to trial on Friday but the judge handling the case has gone on vacation.

Get the Story:
Trial postponed for man accused of hate crime (The Farmington Daily Times 4/17)

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

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