Four men are recovering from serious stab wounds following an attack outside a gay bar in Greenville, South Carolina - the same venue where a man was attacked and died last May. The four victims were rushed to hospital with wounds to their faces, backs and stomachs. They were treated and released from hospital. Three men are facing a number of charges from assault and battery to intent to kill in the most recent attack. Police say they don't know what sparked the incident and are continuing to investigate. Several weapons have been recovered, and a police spokesperson said additional charges could be added. The club, which had recently changed its name, is the same place where Sean William Kennedy, 20, was attacked and killed in May. Stephen A. Moller, 19, was initially charged with murder but the charge was reduced to involuntary manslaughter after a grand jury found no "malicious intent" on Moller's part. The reduced charge has infuriated Kennedy's family. Police said that at this time they do not believe there is a connection in the two attacks. Kennedy was walking to his car from a local bar when a car stopped along side him. A man got out, approached Kennedy and then hit him. Witnesses said the man made a derogatory remark about Kennedy's sexuality.Friends said the twenty year old was openly gay. Kennedy later died in hospital without regaining consciousness. Investigators believe that after he was punched Kennedy fell to the ground and hit his head on a curb or the pavement. Based on witness accounts of the attacker and car, Sheriff's deputies arrested Moller, who was 18 at the time. South Carolina does not have hate crime laws and sexuality currently is not covered under federal hate laws.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 20th November 2007 - 11:17am