Charges have yet to be filed against two men arrested last week for allegedly committing a hate crime and assault against a group of transgender women in Hollywood on Aug 17.
On Monday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office sent the case back to detectives at the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division for further investigation. Two men arrested for allegedly committing or being involved in the crime have been released from custody.
Detective Ryan Stogner, with the Hollywood Division, declined to comment on the case because of the ongoing investigation. He said it is still actively being investigated as a hate crime and police are seeking a third individual, identified as Davion Williams, who was also allegedly involved. No further information was available about Williams.
Police identified the two men arrested as Carlton Callway, 29, and Willie Walker, 42. Before the arrests, investigators announced they were searching for one suspect, and it is unclear what role the other two men had in the crimes. Callway was arrested in Bakersfield on Aug. 20 and booked for assault with a deadly weapon with a hate crime enhancement. Walker was arrested on Aug. 19 and booked for extortion.
The crime occurred at approximately 2:15 a.m. on Aug. 17 in the 6500 block of Hollywood Boulevard. A male suspect allegedly assaulted three women who were part of a group, but the crimes occurred separately against each individual victim a short period of time apart, according to police. The perpetrator allegedly uttered slurs about the victims’ gender status, making them hate crimes, police said.
A portion of the assault was captured on video and posted on social media. City officials and leaders in the LGBTQ community condemned the attack. Los Angeles City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, 13th District, was dismayed that charges weren’t filed.
“I was shocked and disappointed to hear the district attorney’s office declined to file a hate crime case involving three transgender women in Hollywood, and the main suspect was released from jail. Upon additional research, I learned the D.A. has asked law enforcement to further investigate in an effort to secure more evidence in this case. Once this is complete, the evidence will be reviewed for criminal filing consideration,” O’Farrell said. “We all know what happened when we saw the video. It was a hate crime. The violent, transphobic attack was recorded by the perpetrator, and proudly posted on his social media. This sickening cruelty must not be tolerated in civil society. I urge you to email the D.A. and insist that hate crime charges are filed, prosecuted and that justice is served – info@da.lacounty.gov.”
Leaders from the Los Angeles LGBT Center also called for answers.
“The center demands greater transparency and accountability in the recent decision by the Los Angeles County District Attorney Office to release the perpetrators of a violent attack against three transgender women on Hollywood Boulevard last week,” Los Angeles LGBT Center Director of Policy and Community Building Terra Russell-Slavin said. “The district attorney must be held accountable to provide the basis on which this decision was made in light of the victims’ accounts and bystander videos of the incident.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement that charges are pending, not ruled out.
“The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has asked law enforcement to conduct further investigation in an effort to secure additional evidence in this case. Once the investigation is complete, the evidence will be reviewed for criminal filing consideration,” Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spokesman Greg Risling said. “Additionally, California law provides that anyone who has been arrested but not charged with a crime must be released from custody within 48 hours from the time they were arrested.”
Anyone with information about the alleged crime is urged to call Stogner at (213)972-2934. During weekends and off-hours, call the LAPD’s hotline at (877)LAPD247.
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