Robert McCallion/Photo courtesy of Law and Crime
Robert McCallion, the New York man who stabbed a Black teen girl because of her race, has pleaded guilty to a slew of charges, including a hate crime.
On March 13, 2020, McCallion stabbed the 17-year-old victim, whom he did not know, reported NBC New York after hurling a series of racial slurs at her. He continued the barbs as he stabbed her.
The girl was found bleeding severely with stab wounds on her face and back in the apartment where she lived with her family. McCallion was found with bloody hands and clothing. The knife he used was also found in the parking lot where he was arrested.
The victim underwent surgery after the attack, but there is no update about her condition.
Authorities searched the apartment where McCallion was staying with his father and found many other weapons, including two loaded assault firearms.
Two days after McCallion was arrested for the stabbing, he attacked one of the medical employees at the jail where he was being held.
“Hate crimes such as this not only traumatize the victim, but the community as well, and will be prosecuted aggressively by this office,” said Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah.
There was no apparent motive but race for the attack, as McCallion and the teen did not know each other.
In total, McCallion pleaded guilty to 14 charges, including second-degree attempted murder, second-degree attempted murder as a hate crime, two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of first-degree assault as a hate crime, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a firearm and two counts of second-degree assault.
Under the plea, Supreme Court Justice Barry Warhit agreed to sentence McCallion to 15 years in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 16.