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A 17-year-old suspect accused of fatally stabbing gay dancer O’Shae Sibley has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder as a hate crime. The suspect, identified as Dmitriy Popov, allegedly shouted homophobic and racist slurs before stabbing Sibley. Popov’s lawyer denies the use of slurs and suggests self-defense. Prosecutors emphasize the importance of prosecuting the incident as a hate crime. Sibley’s death is described as “tragic and senseless.” Popov faces a minimum of 20 years in jail. Harriet Williamson reported
The 17-year-old individual accused of the fatal stabbing of O’Shae Sibley, a gay professional dancer, has pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder as a hate crime. (Getty Images)
The 17-year-old suspect, who is accused of fatally stabbing O’Shae Sibley, a professional dancer, has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of second-degree murder as a hate crime.
O’Shae Sibley, aged 28, was participating in vogue dancing with friends at a petrol station on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, when a group of young men approached them.
According to prosecutors, the teenagers shouted homophobic and racist slurs at Sibley and his friends before the suspect stabbed Sibley in the chest.
The suspect, identified as Dmitriy Popov, a final year student at a local secondary school, made his initial court appearance on Friday (11 August).
Popov was indicted by a grand jury on Thursday (10 August) and arraigned on Friday on charges of second-degree murder as a hate crime, second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter as a hate crime, first-degree manslaughter, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and related counts.
Popov pleaded not guilty to all charges.
If convicted, the 17-year-old suspect could face a minimum sentence of 20 years in jail and a maximum sentence of 25 years to life.
Popov’s lawyer, Mark Pollard, stated to the press: “There is nothing in his past or history that suggests he is the type of person capable of committing this crime.”
Pollard also denied any use of anti-gay or anti-Black slurs by Popov and hinted that his client may argue self-defense.
However, Brooklyn district attorney Eric Gonzalez stressed the importance of treating this incident as a hate crime.
During a news conference on Thursday, Gonzalez stated: “We will stand up for Mr. Sibley’s right to dance and express himself, and his right not to stop dancing because it offends someone else.
“Hate crimes not only affect the victim, but also the community. They deprive not only the family, but the entire community of their feeling of safety and security.”
Gonzalez described Sibley’s death as a “tragic and senseless” event.
Popov’s next court date is scheduled for October.
If you have witnessed or experienced a hate crime, please contact the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit the True Vision website. In case of an emergency, always dial 999.
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