There may be very unfortunate news to report this morning: Unconfirmed reports say the family of Michael Sandy removed him from life support.
Last night's regular call to the Brookdale Hospital duty nurse produced a "no comment", as opposed to "he remains in critical condition." This morning, hospital administrators told Rod 2.0 the "family wished to keep that information private." Apparently, the decision was made.
On Sunday evening, Michael Sandy was lured to a remote parking lot after an encounter in an Internet chat room. He was robbed and viciously beaten by four thugs, hit by a passing motorist while trying to flee, and, beaten again. Three men have been charged and one was released pending their cooperation with detectives. The Long Island native was an interior designer at Ikea and lived in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. On Thursday, he turned 29 years old.
More later, if and when it develops, but we can imagine this is a difficult time for the family. In then meantime, the Trinidad Express published a thoughtful report on the case, devoid of the usual, tabloid gay-baiting often seen in this part of the world.
One Released in Attack on Gay Man (Newsday)
3 on Hate Crime Charges (Trinidad Express)
Rose's Rephew Beaten, Now in Coma (Trinidad News)
More Michael Sandy and More NYC Gay Bashing:
Brooklyn Suspect Released (Rod 2.0) Four Arrested in Internet Set-Up (Rod 2.0) Brooklyn Gay Bashing Update (Rod 2.0) Gay Man Beaten in Vicious Attack? (Rod 2.0) Man Found in Prospect Park (Rod 2.0) Hate Trial Begins (Rod 2.0) NYPD Denies Lead (Rod 2.0) "So Freaked Out" (Rod 2.0) Hate Trial Begins (Rod 2.0) Rashawn Brazell: A Memorial (Rod 2.0) Six Months (Rod 2.0) Mother's Day Blues (Rod 2.0)
This is indeed sad news but we knew it was bound to happen. Hopefully the family is at peace.
Posted by: BL | 13 October 2006 at 10:46
Peace and blessings to the Sandy family. They have had to endure so very much.
Posted by: Anon | 13 October 2006 at 10:47
Rod, a question. I notice that you often report sources directly. Don you make your ow calls to hospitals and police departments?
Posted by: Xavier Greene | 13 October 2006 at 10:50
You're right, sad news to wake up to, but, we knew it was only a matter of time.
Posted by: Earl FF | 13 October 2006 at 10:54
Will the teenagrers now face murder or manslaughter charges?
Posted by: tio | 13 October 2006 at 10:57
:(
Posted by: ff | 13 October 2006 at 12:04
Very disturbing news, but we knew this wuld happen.
Rod, thanks for staying on top of this.
Posted by: brandon | 13 October 2006 at 12:57
Do you have confirmation yet that this happened?
Posted by: Carl | 13 October 2006 at 14:50