Judge Reduces Charges Against Kentucky Teens Accused of Threatening to Push Lesbian Off Cliff

[Ian David]

A judge reduced charges of kidnapping and attempted murder against two Kentucky teens accused of threatening to push a lesbian classmate off a cliff and smash her head with a rock, saying there wasn't enough evidence to justify felony charges:

"After a hearing Thursday, District Judge Henria Bailey-Lewis reduced the charges against Ashley Sams and Corinne Schwab to fourth-degree assault and menacing, both misdemeanors...Attorneys for the two had strongly denied the attack and said the girls were pleased the judge reduced the charges. 'I think justice was served,' said Richmond attorney James Baechtold, who represents Schwab. Sams and Schwab committed no crime and will fight the misdemeanor charges, their attorneys said. The two high school seniors and their families declined to comment as they left court with a large number of supporters."

Jordan Palmer, the head of the Kentucky Equality Federation says he is still convinced it was a hate crime.

More details on testimony about the crime at the Lexington Herald Leader.


"OMFG... we are SO gonna get away with this!

More:
http://www.towleroad.com/2010/04/judge-reduces-charges-against-kentucky-teens-accused-of-threatening-to-push-lesbian-off-cliff.html

See prior thread:

Teenage Girls Try to Push Lesbian Peer Off Cliff to Her Death
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=221&topic_id=158958&mesg_id=158958

[msongs]

1. wonder what religion they belong to... nt

[mitchtv]

2. Karma will out

those two will pay

[TommyO]

3. I see it's still open season on gay people in Kentucky

Disgusting.

[Ian David]

4. Yes, bigotry is still alive and well there. However, this article points out some inconsistencies.

But then again, girls the age of the victim are prone to behaving erratically, especially in stressful (or life-threatening) situations.