The unidentified gay couple in Clayton, North Carolina, whose home was set ablaze early Friday while they out of town may not be victims of a hate crime, claims Johnston County’s Steve Bizzell. Um, but what about those three instances of harassment over the past year, including an anti-gay letter left in their mailbox and a slur scrawled on their home? Well unless there’s direct evidence those incidents are tied to this one, it’s not going to fall under a hate crime classification. “As the investigation moves forward, if we see any indication that the hate crime status applies, we will consider it,” says Bizzell. For now, then, the fire — which was started from inside the home — is just your run of the mill neighborhood arson. Though the FBI and ATF, both federal agencies, have been called in to assist in the investigation, which is good — because in North Carolina, no state law would classify a sexuality-based arson as a hate crime. Meanwhile, the couple is still evading any press attention.
Kev C
This sounds like a case for Sherlock Holmes.
Tollendyr
This is actually exactly how it should be. Just because we can assume that the two incidents are related doesn’t mean they are, and therefore doesn’t mean this is a hate crime. The reason they are investigating, is to DECIDE if it’s a hate crime, in addition to solving the crime.
You guys seriously need to take a class about Hate Crimes Laws.