Thursday, October 16, 2008

Man with disabilities tortured and left for dead

Update: Twin Cities reports that new felony charges have been filed against three of the men in connection with the beating and torture of Mr Hamilton, including "assault motivated by bias." It also reports that a 16-year-old girl has also been charged in connection with the beating. It is alleged that Natasha Dahn encouraged the attack by making up a story that Mr Hamilton had assaulted her. According to authorities, her story is not true. Ms Dahn took part in the attack by kicking Mr Hamilton, it is reported.

Minneapolis, Minnesota - According to the Star Tribune, four men have been charged with assault, kidnapping and false imprisonment in connection with the torture of a 24-year-old man with developmental disabilities last weekend. According to criminal complaints, the men tied Mr Justin Hamilton to a tree with a belt, beat him, and burnt him with cigarette lighters for hours over two days, and then when he became unconscious, left him for dead. According to Mr Hamilton's mother, Carolyn Hamilton, who is caring for him at home, his body "is entirely black and blue. He may lose sight in one eye and has broken ribs and possible kidney damage."

Jonathon Michael Diepold, 22, Glen Richard Ries, 33, John Maxwell Maniglia, 19, and Timothy John Ketterling, 22, have been charged with third-and-fourth-degree assault, false imprisonment and theft. They remain in jail in lieau of $100,000 bail each. Additonal charges against the men, as well as a 16-year-old girl, are expected. According to authorities, the motive for the assault may involve the 16-year-old girl, whom Mr Hamilton had befriended.

How could it happen that Mr Hamilton could be beaten two days in a row? Was anyone looking out for him?

See also: Northfield Men Get Tougher Charges in Beating of Disabled Lakeville Man