NEW YORK, NY – A Brooklyn man is going to prison for five years after being convicted and sentenced for an anti-gay attack outside an East New York bodega in which he stabbed a woman in the shoulder after shouting homophobic slurs.
Samuel Huff, 32, of East New York, Brooklyn, pleaded guilty to attempted assault as a hate crime.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Hate has no place in Brooklyn’s diverse communities, and this shocking and unprovoked act of homophobic violence underscores the importance of vigorous hate crime prosecutions to deter anyone who may consider acting on their bigoted views. Our dedicated Hate Crimes Bureau relentlessly pursues cases against those who victimize our neighbors because of their perceived race, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity or religion and we are deeply committed to preventing these despicable offenses in Brooklyn.”
According to court records, “On May 7, 2020, at approximately 9:10 p.m., Huff encountered the victim, a 33-year-old woman, and a friend, inside the Placencia Deli located at 1129 Blake Avenue in East New York. Huff then followed the two women to Del Liquors across the street at 1130 Blake Avenue.”
“While inside of Del Liquors, Huff approached the victim and pointed to her, stating, “What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be here? You are a tranny and a (explicative).” The victim ignored Huff.” Gonzalez said. “However, Huff continued making homophobic and threatening remarks.”
According to police reports, “Moments later, the victim and her friend left Del Liquors and got into a BMW convertible that was parked out front of the store on Blake Avenue.”
After the victim got into the convertible, which had its top-down, Huff approached and stated, “You’re a tranny. You’re a (explicative). Get the (explicative) out of here.” Huff then lunged over the passenger side door toward the victim and stabbed her in the shoulder with a sharp object. Huff then fled down Blake Avenue. The victim was taken to Brookdale Hospital and treated for a laceration wound to the shoulder and back, receiving seven stitches.
Huff was arrested on May 12 after being identified from video surveillance from Placencia Deli. The victim also identified Huff during a photo array conducted at the 75th Precinct.