The New Civil Rights Movement reports that a trio of alleged hate attackers who are accused of aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person (REAP) asked for and received a continuation. All three were offered a plea bargain in July, but the details of that plea bargain have thus far not been released to the press. Williams and Harrigan were charged with conspiracy, and all three suspects pleaded not guilty and currently remain free on bond.
On September 11th of last year, Phillip Williams, 24, Kathyrn Knott, 24, and Kevin Harrigan, 26, were arrested in connection with an attack against Andrew Haught and his boyfriend Zachary Hesse. Haught was hospitalized with injuries that included a broken jaw, and his jaw had to be wired shut due to the severity of the attack.
Testifying in court last December, Haught accused Harrigan of asking him, “Is that your f**king boyfriend?” the night of the attack, and claimed Knott “hit me in the face and just kept calling me a ‘dirty, f*cking f*ggot, f*ggot, f*ggot.”
The attorneys of the suspected attackers claim that each of them “steadfastly maintain their innocence.” All three are considering the plea agreement and have asked for and received a continuance.
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Last week, prosecutor Michael Berry told Philadelphia Gay News that the suspects are debating the plea bargain with their attorneys, probably so they can eke out a better deal. “There are still some discussions regarding a non-trial disposition,” he said.
If the suspects decline the plea bargain, their trial will start on September 17.
