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Hate Crime Charge
Tossed in Brooklyn Murder Case

Hate Crime Charge
Tossed in Brooklyn Murder Case

As closing arguments take place in the trial of Omar Willock, the accused killer of gay 20-year-old Roberto Duncanson, the case's judge tossed the hate crime charge against Willock, according to New York's Gay City News .

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As closing arguments take place in the trial of Omar Willock, the accused killer of gay 20-year-old Roberto Duncanson (pictured), the case's judge tossed the hate crime charge against Willock, according to New York's Gay City News .

Willock's defense team was pushing for the charge to be dropped, which would have increased the minimum prison he faced if convicted. Now, if found guilty, Willock could be charged with second-degree murder or first-degree manslaughter. Judge Neil Firetog removed the charge, saying, "I've decided as a matter of law the hate crime case is not made out. I think it was a contributing factor, but under the law it has to be a substantial factor."

A jury is deciding whether it was Willock or his twin brother, Omari Willock, who murdered Duncanson, who was stabbed to death in Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood in 2007. Testimony hinges on that of Belinda Toon, who identified Omar Willock as the man who argued with Duncanson just after midnight on May 12. Allegedly, Willock repeatedly called Duncason a "faggot" as he followed him down St. Marks Avenue. The two came to blows before Duncanson was stabbed four times in the back, and later died at Kings County Hospital.

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Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.