Youths Charged After Racially Motivated Attack on Teen in Simi Valley
A group of teenage boys has been charged following a racially motivated attack on an 18-year-old Black male in a Simi Valley parking lot. The incident, which occurred around 23:00 on August 1, 2023, left the victim, identified as Michael Robinson, with serious injuries, including a concussion and chipped teeth. The Ventura County district attorney’s office confirmed that five boys, aged 16 and 17, are facing charges related to the incident.
The attack, which was recorded on video, shows the teenagers physically assaulting Robinson while shouting racial slurs, including the N-word. Prosecutors stated that two other individuals were also harmed during the attack. The footage reveals the group surrounding Robinson, throwing punches, and violently pursuing him across the parking lot of Regal Cinemas.
Robinson described the chilling experience, stating, “Honestly, I thought I was going to die,” in an interview with Fox 11 Los Angeles. Initially, the group targeted Robinson’s friends before turning their aggression toward him, which included slamming him against a car and pushing his head into a trash can.
Community Response and Charges Filed
The incident has ignited widespread outrage within the Simi Valley community. During a city council meeting on August 4, residents called for a thorough investigation into the attack as a hate crime. In response, the Ventura County branch of the NAACP has demanded an independent inquiry into the incident.
One of the alleged attackers is reportedly the son of a Simi Valley police sergeant. According to department spokesperson Ryan Morton, the sergeant was not involved in the law enforcement response to the incident and remains uninvolved in the ongoing investigation. Morton also noted that the August 1 altercation is connected to a prior confrontation involving the same two groups of teenagers.
In total, three of the alleged attackers face felony assault charges along with special allegations of a hate crime. A fourth individual has been charged with felony assault, misdemeanor battery, and misdemeanor criminal threats, while the fifth individual faces misdemeanor charges for threats and battery. Their names have not been disclosed due to their minor status. All five are scheduled for arraignment at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center in Oxnard on October 10, 2023.
Statements from Officials
In a statement, Erik Nasarenko, Ventura County District Attorney, emphasized the impact of hate crimes, stating, “Hate crimes spread fear, division, and violence throughout an entire community. Our office is committed to holding these youths accountable and ensuring that justice is delivered for the victims and our community.”
Simi Valley Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh also condemned the violence, describing the attack’s video as “heart-breaking.” She extended support to Robinson and those affected by the incident, asserting, “Let me be clear: Violence, harassment, racism, discrimination, the use of racial slurs, and gang-related activity have no place in Simi Valley.”
Robinson’s guardian, Brittany Martin, expressed her outrage at the attack, stating, “He was hunted down, and it was very disgusting. This is not the first time that these kids are actually doing this.”
As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, many are calling for stronger measures to address hate crimes and ensure the safety of all residents in Simi Valley.
