Reply #: Texas Teens Won't Face Hate Crimes Charges

[NVMojo]

HOUSTON (AP) -

Prosecutors said Friday they won't seek hate crimes charges against two white teens accused of beating a 17-year-old Hispanic boy. Civil rights groups claimed there was no other reason for the attack.

Authorities said the suspects acknowledged they beat the boy but say it was because he kissed a 12-year-old girl. The teens claimed they were offended at the age difference between the victim and the girl, who also is Hispanic.

Detective Michael Weinel of the Harris County Sheriff's Department also said the youths were drinking, smoking marijuana and taking anti-anxiety drug Xanax.

"I don't know that the very beginning of the attack was racial," said prosecutor Mike Trent, "but there's no question that they were venting quite a bit of hatred in their hearts."

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http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nat-gen/2006/apr/28/042802498.html