| Violence Against the Homeless |
It was August 1999 in the Lealman area of Pinellas County, Florida, near St. Petersburg, and Don
Regnier was at a bus stop on the 4700 block of 28th St. North, near what is now Lealman
Intermediate School. He apparently waved his arms at a passing car complaining about a loud
stereo. The car stopped and two men got out. They punched and kicked him to death. Don Regnier,
age 51, was homeless. People who knew him in the area liked him and said he never bothered
anyone and was always friendly.
Tony Rosa, 19, recieved a life term for killing Mr. Regnier. At sentencing, Judge Federico stated "It's
sad that Mr. Regnier paid the price for the criminal justice systems failure". Rosa had a history of
criminal violations, and was serving house arrest at the time of the killing instead of a 60 month
prison term.
Regnier was at a bus stop on the 4700 block of 28th St. North, near what is now Lealman
Intermediate School. He apparently waved his arms at a passing car complaining about a loud
stereo. The car stopped and two men got out. They punched and kicked him to death. Don Regnier,
age 51, was homeless. People who knew him in the area liked him and said he never bothered
anyone and was always friendly.
Tony Rosa, 19, recieved a life term for killing Mr. Regnier. At sentencing, Judge Federico stated "It's
sad that Mr. Regnier paid the price for the criminal justice systems failure". Rosa had a history of
criminal violations, and was serving house arrest at the time of the killing instead of a 60 month
prison term.
It's not unusual for homeless people to be beaten, often severely, and robbed of the little they have,
even their shoes. Such assaults rarely get any mention in the media unless there is a fatality. It's not
worthwhile "news". A 2006 study commissioned by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions
indicated that nearly 1 in 5 homeless people had been attacked during the past year.
even their shoes. Such assaults rarely get any mention in the media unless there is a fatality. It's not
worthwhile "news". A 2006 study commissioned by the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions
indicated that nearly 1 in 5 homeless people had been attacked during the past year.
I have experienced being homeless, and learned the hard way about being careful on the street.
When I had to camp, I did so out of view so I couldn't be easily found at night. While some fear the
dark, it's protection for those avoiding being the victim of assault and robbery. Even so I have been
attacked more than a couple times. Many others I've known have been beaten, sometimes severely.
One friend of mine was attacked at night, while he was in his sleeping bag, by a couple guys with
pipes. He was able to get up and run for help to some friends in a nearby camp. They helped him
get to the nearby university hospital. Both university police and local police came down on the area
but couldn't find the perpertators. He ended up with hundreds of stitches on his face, but if he
hadn't been able to get away he would probably have been killed.
Attacks like these usually have nothing to do with robbery. More often it's by people that just think
it's "entertainment" to beat up homeless people. Apparently they don't have the mental capacity to
comprehend any kind of morality.
When I had to camp, I did so out of view so I couldn't be easily found at night. While some fear the
dark, it's protection for those avoiding being the victim of assault and robbery. Even so I have been
attacked more than a couple times. Many others I've known have been beaten, sometimes severely.
One friend of mine was attacked at night, while he was in his sleeping bag, by a couple guys with
pipes. He was able to get up and run for help to some friends in a nearby camp. They helped him
get to the nearby university hospital. Both university police and local police came down on the area
but couldn't find the perpertators. He ended up with hundreds of stitches on his face, but if he
hadn't been able to get away he would probably have been killed.
Attacks like these usually have nothing to do with robbery. More often it's by people that just think
it's "entertainment" to beat up homeless people. Apparently they don't have the mental capacity to
comprehend any kind of morality.
The National Coalition for the Homeless has been collecting information on violence against the
homeless. In their listing of data from 1999 to 2002 Florida ranks eighth in the nation as most
dangerous for the homeless while California ranks first. The worst city in the US was Denver,
Colorado, with 9 deaths during that period. Overall, 131 homeless people were murdered during this
period (by available statistics). These are based on what little is reported to police. Much more of
the violence goes unreported. No one really knows how many homeless are killed. It seldom gets in
the news in this area about homeless being beaten, even with police responding, since it's so
common.
The results of a study released by the National Coalition for the Homeless (2-20-2007) rated the
state of Florida as the most violent toward the homeless, with almost three times as many assaults
as the second most violent state, Arizona.
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness
and Poverty most of the 142 unprovoked attacks on homeless people in 2007 were in Florida.
Nationwide attacks in 2007 were 65% higher than in 2005.
homeless. In their listing of data from 1999 to 2002 Florida ranks eighth in the nation as most
dangerous for the homeless while California ranks first. The worst city in the US was Denver,
Colorado, with 9 deaths during that period. Overall, 131 homeless people were murdered during this
period (by available statistics). These are based on what little is reported to police. Much more of
the violence goes unreported. No one really knows how many homeless are killed. It seldom gets in
the news in this area about homeless being beaten, even with police responding, since it's so
common.
The results of a study released by the National Coalition for the Homeless (2-20-2007) rated the
state of Florida as the most violent toward the homeless, with almost three times as many assaults
as the second most violent state, Arizona.
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness
and Poverty most of the 142 unprovoked attacks on homeless people in 2007 were in Florida.
Nationwide attacks in 2007 were 65% higher than in 2005.
One time an officer came to my camp and told me that I shouldn't be camping there. He pointed out
that it's wasn't private property and I was doing nothing illegal, but said it was too dangerous and I
should get into a shelter. I agreed that it was dangerous, but pointed out that it's nearly impossible
to get into a shelter, even if I had special needs. There weren't enough shelter beds for even 10%
of the homeless in the area.
The city of St. Petersburg was considering making it illegal for homeless people to camp together in
public areas, even though they do it for safety. It was said that they will be offered a ride to a
shelter, though there are not enough beds available for more than a few of these people, and just
for a few days. The number of homeless sleeping on the streets in St. Petersburg has risen
dramaticly over the last few years. One Sunday morning I was walking to church downtown and saw
several people in blankets on the steps of City Hall, and many in the downtown park.
Some cities are actually working on constructive programs to help people get off the street, and
making real progress, instead of just jailing people for being homeless.
that it's wasn't private property and I was doing nothing illegal, but said it was too dangerous and I
should get into a shelter. I agreed that it was dangerous, but pointed out that it's nearly impossible
to get into a shelter, even if I had special needs. There weren't enough shelter beds for even 10%
of the homeless in the area.
The city of St. Petersburg was considering making it illegal for homeless people to camp together in
public areas, even though they do it for safety. It was said that they will be offered a ride to a
shelter, though there are not enough beds available for more than a few of these people, and just
for a few days. The number of homeless sleeping on the streets in St. Petersburg has risen
dramaticly over the last few years. One Sunday morning I was walking to church downtown and saw
several people in blankets on the steps of City Hall, and many in the downtown park.
Some cities are actually working on constructive programs to help people get off the street, and
making real progress, instead of just jailing people for being homeless.
Much of the violence has been by gangs of teenagers, out to stalk and beat homeless people with
pipes, bricks, or baseball bats. Some try to legitimize it by calling it "bum hunting", as if it were a
sport. To some young people, lacking any sense of moral values, it's just something to do for
entertainment. Beating homeless people happens every day, and is increasing. Statistics indicate
that 33% of hate crimes are commited by those under age 18.
pipes, bricks, or baseball bats. Some try to legitimize it by calling it "bum hunting", as if it were a
sport. To some young people, lacking any sense of moral values, it's just something to do for
entertainment. Beating homeless people happens every day, and is increasing. Statistics indicate
that 33% of hate crimes are commited by those under age 18.
In Holly Hill, Florida, near Daytona, in May 2005, Michael Eugene Roberts, a 53 year old
homeless man, was killed. It was a brutal and totally deliberate murder. There was no apparent
motive of robbery or revenge. Two 18 year olds and three under 18 have been arrested on murder
charges.
A couple of the teens stated that they attacked the man "for fun" and "to have something to do".
Update 4/24/06:
Four teens were sentenced to between 22 and 35 years in Florida state prison in the death of
Michael Roberts. All pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Would they have gotten off this easily if the person they killed wasn't homeless? If the victim was
well known and respected they would all probably be serving life, if not receiving the death penalty.
If they survive prison (and many don't) they may be homeless on the street for the rest of their
lives, just like their victim. Warren Messner, who was 15 then, is now 18 and serving a 22 year
prison term for his part in the attack. He doesn't think it's so much fun today.
homeless man, was killed. It was a brutal and totally deliberate murder. There was no apparent
motive of robbery or revenge. Two 18 year olds and three under 18 have been arrested on murder
charges.
A couple of the teens stated that they attacked the man "for fun" and "to have something to do".
Update 4/24/06:
Four teens were sentenced to between 22 and 35 years in Florida state prison in the death of
Michael Roberts. All pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Would they have gotten off this easily if the person they killed wasn't homeless? If the victim was
well known and respected they would all probably be serving life, if not receiving the death penalty.
If they survive prison (and many don't) they may be homeless on the street for the rest of their
lives, just like their victim. Warren Messner, who was 15 then, is now 18 and serving a 22 year
prison term for his part in the attack. He doesn't think it's so much fun today.
In January 17, 2007, two homeless men, Jeffery Schultz, 43, and David Heath, 53, were shot and
killed in a quiet neighborhood of St. Petersburg, FL, late at night. It appeared that robbery was
involved, though neither of the men had anything of value to steal.
Update 2/8/07:
Dorion Deshawn Dillard, 20, and Cordaro Antwan Hardin, 18, were arrested on charges of first
degree murder in the deaths of the two homeless men. Two others have been identified in
connection with the murders but have not yet been arrested.
killed in a quiet neighborhood of St. Petersburg, FL, late at night. It appeared that robbery was
involved, though neither of the men had anything of value to steal.
Update 2/8/07:
Dorion Deshawn Dillard, 20, and Cordaro Antwan Hardin, 18, were arrested on charges of first
degree murder in the deaths of the two homeless men. Two others have been identified in
connection with the murders but have not yet been arrested.
The incidents described here are only a few of those that received media attention, and the figures
in surveys only include those that were reported. Many homeless don't trust the police and so don't
report being assaulted, or don't think it would do any good to bother, so the real numbers are
probably far higher. Just in the county where I live there were 6,905 violent crimes reported last year
(Pinellas County '09), including 27 murders. I have no doubt that far more went unreported. Articles
about assaults on the homeless don't sell newspapers unless the incident is exceptionally unusual,
so you're unlikely to hear about much of what really goes on. Meanwhile assaults and killing of the
homeless go on every day across our great nation, and keep increasing.
in surveys only include those that were reported. Many homeless don't trust the police and so don't
report being assaulted, or don't think it would do any good to bother, so the real numbers are
probably far higher. Just in the county where I live there were 6,905 violent crimes reported last year
(Pinellas County '09), including 27 murders. I have no doubt that far more went unreported. Articles
about assaults on the homeless don't sell newspapers unless the incident is exceptionally unusual,
so you're unlikely to hear about much of what really goes on. Meanwhile assaults and killing of the
homeless go on every day across our great nation, and keep increasing.
| Comments or questions? email me at: clyde@homelessamerican.com |
In the state of Florida there is a death penalty for first degree murder. If someone kills a child, a
mother, or someone respected by the community, they could get the death penalty. Kill a homeless
person, even if premeditated and violent, and you may get only 20 years.
I don't doubt that many of the attackers have mental problems. Some just have no value for the lives
of others, and eventually are removed from contact with civilization. How many innocent people have
to die first?
mother, or someone respected by the community, they could get the death penalty. Kill a homeless
person, even if premeditated and violent, and you may get only 20 years.
I don't doubt that many of the attackers have mental problems. Some just have no value for the lives
of others, and eventually are removed from contact with civilization. How many innocent people have
to die first?
Often homeless people are victims of other homeless who will steal anything, and destroy what they
can't steal. These are usually those who never had real parents or grew up in households with no
moral guidance whatsoever. There are many parents that teach their children to be criminals, and
as a result they know nothing else. Many spend most of their lives in-and-out of county jails or state
prison, and many die there without ever comprehending what it's like to live a normal life. Since they
never learned anything about earning a living they just waste away doing petty crimes. There are
families where this continues from generation to generation.
can't steal. These are usually those who never had real parents or grew up in households with no
moral guidance whatsoever. There are many parents that teach their children to be criminals, and
as a result they know nothing else. Many spend most of their lives in-and-out of county jails or state
prison, and many die there without ever comprehending what it's like to live a normal life. Since they
never learned anything about earning a living they just waste away doing petty crimes. There are
families where this continues from generation to generation.
| homelessamerican.com |
At Esplanade Park in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, in September of 2006, a homeless man, William
Teeters was punched, kicked, and slashed by a group of teenagers. His friend, Norris Gaynor, had
been beaten to death in the same park in January of that same year.
In March 2008 two of the teens that attacked Teeters, Michael Livingston, 16, and Patrick Keels, 17,
were sentenced in court for attempted murder in the unprovoked attack. They could have recieved
maximum sentences of 90 years and 40 years respectively, however when Teeters addressed the
court he asked for mercy toward them saying "I want them to have the second chance I wish I had
got," and "I went to an adult prison when I was underaged and it only made me harder."
As a result the two were sentenced to two years in prison plus four years probation.
Another teen, Bobby Callins, 18, had also been sentenced to two years in the attack, and Romel
Jean-Louis, 17, is to be sentenced, probably for juvenile detention. The teens who killed Gaynor
are to go on trial in the summer of 2008. (Information from the Miami Herald, 3/15/2008,
miamiherald.com)
Teeters was punched, kicked, and slashed by a group of teenagers. His friend, Norris Gaynor, had
been beaten to death in the same park in January of that same year.
In March 2008 two of the teens that attacked Teeters, Michael Livingston, 16, and Patrick Keels, 17,
were sentenced in court for attempted murder in the unprovoked attack. They could have recieved
maximum sentences of 90 years and 40 years respectively, however when Teeters addressed the
court he asked for mercy toward them saying "I want them to have the second chance I wish I had
got," and "I went to an adult prison when I was underaged and it only made me harder."
As a result the two were sentenced to two years in prison plus four years probation.
Another teen, Bobby Callins, 18, had also been sentenced to two years in the attack, and Romel
Jean-Louis, 17, is to be sentenced, probably for juvenile detention. The teens who killed Gaynor
are to go on trial in the summer of 2008. (Information from the Miami Herald, 3/15/2008,
miamiherald.com)
Another kind of assault goes on quietly every month. This is where homeless people who get
disability or social security payments are robbed of whatever they have, typically by drug addicts.
When government payments go out at the beginning of the month, suddenly people appear out of
nowhere and go after homeless people who get payments but are either physically or mentally not
capable of defending themselves. "Hey buddy, could you help me out with some money?" While the
homeless person may get $600 or more, much of it is gone in a day, and the act rarely even gets
reported. It happens thousands of times every month all across the country.
disability or social security payments are robbed of whatever they have, typically by drug addicts.
When government payments go out at the beginning of the month, suddenly people appear out of
nowhere and go after homeless people who get payments but are either physically or mentally not
capable of defending themselves. "Hey buddy, could you help me out with some money?" While the
homeless person may get $600 or more, much of it is gone in a day, and the act rarely even gets
reported. It happens thousands of times every month all across the country.
Don't believe it's happening?
If you have any doubts about what is
described in this article, or anything in this
website, just check news sites like topix.net
or news.google.com/archivesearch and
seach the articles for yourself.
The facts are there for everyone to read.
If you have any doubts about what is
described in this article, or anything in this
website, just check news sites like topix.net
or news.google.com/archivesearch and
seach the articles for yourself.
The facts are there for everyone to read.
If you're homeless, get assaulted on the
street, and are taken to a hospital for care,
it's entirely your responsibility to pay for
everything. Can't pay for it? Perhaps they
won't pursue you for payment, but It goes on
your credit report for the next several years.
It doesn't matter if it wasn't your fault.
Trying to get a job? It's on your record as
being irresponsible with your finances,
making it even harder to get out of
homelessness.
street, and are taken to a hospital for care,
it's entirely your responsibility to pay for
everything. Can't pay for it? Perhaps they
won't pursue you for payment, but It goes on
your credit report for the next several years.
It doesn't matter if it wasn't your fault.
Trying to get a job? It's on your record as
being irresponsible with your finances,
making it even harder to get out of
homelessness.
 | |  |
Some punk just found an easy victim?
It's not just those who are intoxicated that
are assaulted. Some homeless people get
attacked in their sleep.
(By the way, this is a staged shot with actors.)
It's not just those who are intoxicated that
are assaulted. Some homeless people get
attacked in their sleep.
(By the way, this is a staged shot with actors.)
In Pontiac, Michigan, on 10/27/09 Thomas McCloud, 15 years old, was convicted in beating to
death two homeless men in August '08. The victims, Wilford Hamilton and Lee Hoffman, where both
61. Assistant prosecuting attorney Gregory Townsend told jurors that the attackers had "no respect
for human decency, no respect for human pain, no respect for human suffering and certainly no
respect for human life." McCloud will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A
second defendant has yet to be sentenced.
death two homeless men in August '08. The victims, Wilford Hamilton and Lee Hoffman, where both
61. Assistant prosecuting attorney Gregory Townsend told jurors that the attackers had "no respect
for human decency, no respect for human pain, no respect for human suffering and certainly no
respect for human life." McCloud will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A
second defendant has yet to be sentenced.
| Hate, Violence and Death on Main Street USA , a report published in Aug. 2009 by the National Coalition for the Homeless, may be downloaded in PDF form by clicking the title above. |
Beating and killing homeless isn't considered a hate crime in most of the country, but then what is
it? In a New York Times article, 8/7/09, it was stated "... Maryland will become the first state to
expand it's hate-crime law to add stiffer penalties for attacks on the homeless. At least five states
are pondering similar steps, ".
it? In a New York Times article, 8/7/09, it was stated "... Maryland will become the first state to
expand it's hate-crime law to add stiffer penalties for attacks on the homeless. At least five states
are pondering similar steps, ".
From an Associated Press release, Tue Mar 23, 2010:
PHILADELPHIA – Two preteens assaulted a woman walking home through a playground as part of a
violent game called "Catch and Wreck," in which children identify targets they think are homeless and
then beat and rob them for fun, police said Tuesday.
An 11-year-old boy was arrested Monday night and charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy
and robbery, Philadelphia police Lt. John Walker said.
A 12-year-old girl was charged shortly after the Friday night attack in southwest Philadelphia. The
victim was surrounded by children, then punched and hit with sticks, police said. She suffered minor
injuries to her knee and head and delayed seeking medical attention to help police with the
investigation.
Police also plan to charge the boy in an attack on a 73-year-old man who was beaten and robbed in
the same area on March 13, Walker said. The victim in that assault, Vincent Poppa, suffered a heart
attack and remains hospitalized...
PHILADELPHIA – Two preteens assaulted a woman walking home through a playground as part of a
violent game called "Catch and Wreck," in which children identify targets they think are homeless and
then beat and rob them for fun, police said Tuesday.
An 11-year-old boy was arrested Monday night and charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy
and robbery, Philadelphia police Lt. John Walker said.
A 12-year-old girl was charged shortly after the Friday night attack in southwest Philadelphia. The
victim was surrounded by children, then punched and hit with sticks, police said. She suffered minor
injuries to her knee and head and delayed seeking medical attention to help police with the
investigation.
Police also plan to charge the boy in an attack on a 73-year-old man who was beaten and robbed in
the same area on March 13, Walker said. The victim in that assault, Vincent Poppa, suffered a heart
attack and remains hospitalized...
| homelessamerican.com |