November 10, 2008 9:02 AM
I'm still trying to run down the facts on this case and I will post them as I learn them.
Marcelo Lucero was an Ecuadorian immigrant who was with a friend when they were attacked by a group of seven teens, six of whom were 17 and one 16 year old. The teens later told police that they were from East Patchogue and Medford and that they were looking for Hispanics to beat up. In the current hate-filled climate, this has become an increasingly common weekend activity.
They set upon the two men and Lucero's friend was able to escape and went to another friend's house to get help. When help arrived, they youths fled, leaving behind a dying Lucero. The immigrant had been stabbed and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Newsday has updated its article on the killing several times over the last twelve hours.
A note on the charges. Jeffrey Conroy has been charged with 1st Degree Manslaughter and the others have been charged with 1st Degree Gang Assault. These are all Class B Felonies, the second highest grade crimes in New York State. Newsday indicates that they are also being charged with carrying out these acts as hate crimes. This boosts the offenses to Class A Felonies, the worst offenses under New York Law.