Third defendant in Navajo beating sentenced

Wednesday, July 18, 2007  

The third defendant who admitted beating and kidnapping a Navajo man was sentenced to three and a half years in prison on Tuesday.

Freddie Brooks, 21, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping, aggravated assault with the intent to commit a violent felony and robbery. He was one of three young white males who beat William Blackie on June 3, 2006, in Farmington, New Mexico.

The incident heightened racial tensions in the border town. One of the defendants, who was considered the ringleader, admitted he acted out of hate and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Brooks did not admit he acted out of hatred and the judge said there was no evidence he did so. Blackie, who appeared in court, agreed that Brooks did not instigate or plan the attack.

Get the Story:
Third hate crime suspect sentenced to prison (The Farmington Daily Times 7/18)

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

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