[Hate Crime News]
Cyrus Vance announces hate-crime conviction of Willie Ames who attacked two men on Union Square platform…
Photo: Facebook screenshot
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. today announced the trial conviction of WILLIE AMES, 49, for attacking two men on the platform of the Union Square subway station after making derogatory statements about Mexican-Americans.
A New York State Supreme Court jury found the defendant guilty of Assault in the Second and Third Degrees as Hate Crimes and Aggravated Harassment in the Second Degree. He is expected to be sentenced on July 12, 2019.
“This defendant’s crime was more than a violation of our laws – it was a violation of our New York values,” said District Attorney Vance. “As a jury has now determined, Willie Ames targeted two New Yorkers on the basis of their heritage in a vicious assault fueled by hatred and prejudice. Now, he will be held accountable for this unprovoked and potentially deadly hate crime assault.”
“I would like to commend the victims and witnesses for their bravery in coming forward and for their cooperation in bringing this defendant to justice. If you’ve been a victim of a hate crime, you can report it to my office’s Hate Crimes hotline, regardless of your language or immigration status, by calling (212) 335-3100.”
As proven at trial, at approximately 8:15 p.m. on April 20, 2018, two men – who were 24-years old and 26-years-old, respectively – were commuting home from work on a northbound 4 train when AMES approached them and made several derogatory statements about Mexican-Americans. When the train stopped at the Union Square station a few minutes later, AMES dragged the 26-year-old victim off the train by his clothing, struck him three times on the station platform, and pushed him onto the train tracks. The defendant then struck the 24-year-old victim and fled the scene. A witness to the incident helped the 24-year-old lift the 26-year-old back onto the platform while another eyewitness called 911.
AMES evaded authorities for six days until he was identified through video surveillance and apprehended by U.S. Marshals on April 26, 2018.
