UPDATE: In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of outrage through the Simi Valley community, five teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, have been charged following a brutal attack on an 18-year-old Black youth. The assault occurred in a Regal Cinemas parking lot around 11 p.m. on August 1, 2023, with the attackers reportedly shouting racial slurs, including the N-word, during the assault.
Authorities from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office confirmed that three of the boys face special allegations of a hate crime and have been charged with felony assault. The harrowing incident, which was captured on video, shows the group physically overpowering Michael Robinson, who suffered a concussion, chipped teeth, and several abrasions.
“This is not just an isolated incident; it is a glaring example of hate-fueled violence that cannot be ignored,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “Hate crimes spread fear, division, and violence throughout an entire community.”
Robinson recounted his terrifying experience to Fox 11 Los Angeles, stating, “Honestly, I thought I was going to die.” He explained that the group initially targeted his friends before turning their aggression towards him, violently slamming him against a car and pushing his head into a trash can.
The attack has ignited significant backlash, prompting local residents to demand thorough investigations during an August 4 City Council meeting. The Ventura County branch of the NAACP has called for an independent inquiry into the incident, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.
The shocking revelation that one of the alleged attackers is the son of a Simi Valley police sergeant has fueled further concern. Department spokesperson Ryan Morton confirmed that the officer was not involved in the investigation or the response to the attack.
Authorities have noted that the August 1 incident is linked to a previous confrontation between the same groups of teenagers. Two of the alleged attackers were charged in connection with another altercation that occurred on May 30, 2023, in the same parking lot.
Robinson’s guardian, Brittany Martin, expressed her disgust at the attack, stating, “He was hunted down, and it was very disgusting. This is not the first time that these kids are actually doing this.”
The five suspects, whose names have not been released due to their minor status, are scheduled to appear in court at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center in Oxnard on October 10, 2023. The courtroom will be open to the public for the cases involving the three teens facing felony charges.
Simi Valley Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh described the video footage as “heart-breaking” and extended her support to Robinson and others affected by the incident. “Let me be clear: Violence, harassment, racism, discrimination, the use of racial slurs, and gang-related activity have no place in Simi Valley,” she stated in her August 7 remarks.
As this story develops, community leaders and residents are calling for justice and a thorough evaluation of how such incidents are handled in their city. The implications of this attack are far-reaching, raising critical questions about safety, accountability, and the fight against hate in communities nationwide.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as the community demands action and justice for Michael Robinson and the victims of this racially charged violence.