crimes and misdemeanors

Man Dies After Being Punched in Apparent Hate Crime

Photo: nicolecioenicolecioe/iStock

Jeffrey Babbitt, the man punched by a stranger in an apparent hate crime, died on Monday of a brain hemorrhage caused when he hit the pavement after Lashawn Marten allegedly hit him. Marten, who is black, reportedly said, “I’m going to punch the first white man I see,” before doing so. Marten allegedly punched two other people that day, and has been charged with three counts of assault, but a grand jury will likely upgrade those charges when he returns to court Tuesday.

Man Dies After Being Punched in Hate Crime