Cary, NC — A woman accused of a violent assault that left a victim with a head injury and broken nose now faces an additional charge of ethnic intimidation, escalating the case into a potential hate crime investigation.
Laisha Antwainet Rivas, 23, of Miami, Florida, has been charged by the Cary Police Department with felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury, felony conspiracy, and ethnic intimidation, according to arrest warrants.
Investigators allege the victim suffered a closed head injury, multiple bruises and abrasions, and a fractured nasal bone during the attack.
Allegations include coordinated assault
Authorities say Rivas did not act alone.
According to the warrants, she allegedly conspired with unidentified male suspects to carry out the assault. Details about those individuals have not been released, and it is unclear whether additional arrests are expected.
The extent of planning behind the attack could become a central issue as the case moves forward.
Ethnic intimidation charge raises stakes
The case intensified with the addition of an ethnic intimidation charge.
Investigators allege the victim was targeted because of her Hispanic race, elevating the incident beyond a standard assault case. Under North Carolina law, that charge can carry additional penalties if prosecutors prove bias played a role.
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Key Points
• 23-year-old woman charged in Wake County assault causing serious injuries
• Victim suffered head injury, broken nose, and multiple bruises
• Ethnic intimidation charge alleges victim targeted due to race
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Serious injuries reported
Court documents describe significant physical harm to the victim, including head trauma and facial injuries consistent with a severe assault.
Officials have not released the victim’s identity or current condition.
Case remains under investigation
Police have not disclosed what led up to the incident or where exactly it occurred within Wake County.
The investigation remains active, particularly regarding the alleged co-conspirators.
What happens next
Rivas is expected to face the charges in Wake County court. Prosecutors will need to present evidence supporting both the assault and the allegation that the victim was targeted based on ethnicity.
No court date or custody status has been publicly confirmed.