Accused San Diego
gay bashers plead not guilty

Three men accused in a string of gay bashings in San Diego pleaded not guilty on Thursday to various felony charges, Fox6 News reports. Meanwhile, police have arrested a fourth suspect.

Twenty-four-year-old James Carroll, 18-year-old Lyonn Taz Tatum, and 23-year-old Kenneth James Lincoln appeared emotionless as deputy district attorney Oscar Garcia described the brutal attacks of which the four men are accused. "This is outrageous conduct, especially the circumstances under which it occurred at the gay pride festival," Garcia said of the attacks.

According to prosecutors, the defendants shouted antigay epithets during the attacks. A fourth suspect was also taken into custody for being an accessory to the attacks and allegedly harboring and aiding the three attackers. The 16-year-old accused suspect was due to appear in juvenile court on Friday.

The judge set bail for Tatum at $1 million. Lincoln was ordered held without bail on a parole violation. (The Advocate)