Tyler Smith, 34, who conspired with a co-worker to commit hate crimes against 13 severely disabled and non-verbal residents in a Pennsylvania facility, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania reported that Smith admitted to the conspiracy and violating the Hate Crimes Prevention Act by participating in attacks on vulnerable residents without reporting his co-worker, Zachary Dinell’s, recordings of the assaults at the McGuire Memorial facility in New Brighton from 2016 to 2017. The victims, who were wheelchair-bound, suffered attacks such as punching, kicking, and having hand sanitizer and mouthwash sprayed in their eyes and mouths, among other abuses. Smith’s tasks included providing daily assistance and identifying signs of injuries but instead engaged in assaults.
The attacks, some of which were recorded by Dinell, involved kicking, punching, and choking patients, with one instance of rubbing Purell in victims’ eyes. Text messages between Smith and Dinell revealed their shared desire to harm and kill residents, with Smith encouraging brutal actions.
Despite claims of substance abuse and despair, Smith’s defense acknowledged his involvement but argued for leniency compared to his co-defendant. Smith’s sentence was handed down last Friday. Dinell, who similarly pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 17 years in prison in January 2023.
Smith’s mother expressed remorse for the victims and indicated support for justice to be served. For further details, refer to the prosecution and defense memoranda available online.
