Michigan Teenager Charged in Stabbing Death of Gay Man
A Michigan teenager, 17, has been charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, and unlawful driving away in an automobile in the stabbing death of a gay Detroit man. The suspect, Ahmed Al-Alikhan, targeted the victim, Howard Brisendine, who he met on a dating app, because of his sexual orientation.
Crime Details
According to police, Al-Alikhan stabbed Brisendine, 64, at his house on September 24, 2022, and then stole his car keys and drove away in his vehicle. The motive behind the crime is that Al-Alikhan targeted Brisendine because he was a gay man, police alleged in a statement on social media.
Investigation
Luis Mandujano, who lives across the street from Brisendine and owns Gigis, a gay nightclub where Brisendine worked, went to Brisendine’s house on September 29 after he didn’t show up for work and saw that his car wasn’t at his house. Mandujano discovered Brisendine’s body and called police, who found that he had multiple stab wounds. Al-Alikhan was arrested and turned over to Detroit authorities on October 1.
Prosecution
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has decided to try Al-Alikhan as an adult because of the “heinous nature” of the crime. “It is hard to fathom a more planned series of events in this case,” Worthy said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the set of alleged facts are far too common in the LGBTQ community. We will bring justice to Mr. Brisendine.”
Hate Crime Concerns
Mandujano, the owner of Gigis, believes that his brother was killed because of his sexual orientation and has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and outstanding bills. The investigation is heading in the direction of a hate crime, according to Detroit Police Sgt. Rebecca McKay.
Conclusion
The case is a disturbing example of the increasing number of hate crimes against the LGBTQ community. The FBI’s annual crime report shows that anti-LGBTQ hate crimes rose 19% in 2022 compared to 2021. It is essential for the community to come together to combat hate and promote understanding and acceptance.
FAQs
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What was the motive behind the crime?
According to police, the motive was that Ahmed Al-Alikhan targeted Howard Brisendine because he was a gay man.
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What was the outcome of the investigation?
The investigation led to the arrest of Ahmed Al-Alikhan, who was charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, and unlawful driving away in an automobile.
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Is the case being tried as a hate crime?
It is unclear whether the case will be tried as a hate crime, but the investigation is heading in that direction, according to Detroit Police Sgt. Rebecca McKay.
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How is the community responding to the incident?
Luis Mandujano, the owner of Gigis, has started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and outstanding bills, and to donate to local LGBTQ nonprofit groups to combat hate.
