One of the teenagers accused of throwing concrete blocks at patrons of a Galveston, Texas gay bar had his 20-year sentence reduced and accepted a 5-year plea bargain. The reason behind reducing the sentence for the March 2009 attack?
Because 19-year-old Alejandro Sam Gray is dyslexic, reports KHOU.
Gray, 19, originally was sentenced March 26 to 20 years in prison on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He and two others were accused of hurling concrete rocks at patrons of Robert’s Lafitte Bar, 2501 Ave. Q, because the patrons were gay. Gray initially pleaded guilty before 212th District Judge Susan Criss and refused prosecutors’ offer of five years in jail because he sought deferred adjudication. Criss, however, gave Gray a 20-year sentence.
Through defense attorney Mark Stevens, Gray sought and Criss granted a new trial on grounds he suffered from dyslexia. Stevens argued Gray was severely limited in both his ability to read court documents and to understand the situation of his initial plea with another attorney. Criss said his sentence would have been reversed on appeal. Gray pleaded guilty Friday to the March 1, 2009, assault of Marc Bosaw. A second count involving another patron was dismissed, prosecutor Jon Hall said.
Gray was 17 when he was involved in the March 1, 2009, assault at Robert’s Lafitte bar. He and two other men were accused of throwing concrete blocks at two patrons. One man was hit in the head with and needed 12 stitches, reports The Galveston Daily News. Another teen, Lawrence Henry Lewis plead guilty and also received five years. However: Lawrneil Henry Lewis was acquitted of the same charges despite brother Lawrence Lewis testifying for the prosecution.
Gray will be eligible for parole in 2½ years.
Being dyslexic and/or illiterate didn't stop him from hurling concrete and random strangers, right?
