Muslim Group Reaches Out After Violent Crime
By Virginia L. Landry
Mar. 9, 2011 4:45p
Violent Crime Fatally Wounds Elderly Sikh Immigrant
Two elderly Sikh men who lived in Elk Grove, a northern California suburb, were brutally assaulted by unidentified assailants, leaving one of them dead and the other in critical condition.
The two victims were identified as Surinder Singh, 68, who died immediately from wound sustained in the shooting. His friend and walking partner, 78-year old Gurmej Atwal, is currently in critical condition, being cared for at a local hospital. Police have made no arrests in the attack, and say they are not sure what the motive could have been other than bigotry.
"At present we have no evidence to indicate there was a hate or bias motivation for this crime; however, the obvious Sikh appearance of the men, including the traditional Dastar headwear and lack of any other apparent motive, increasingly raise that possibility," said Robert Lehner, Police Chief of Elk Grove, in a statement.
Muslim Rights Group Reaches Out to Sikh Community, Offers Condolences
The possibility that the men were mistaken for Muslims has been raised by the local Sacramento chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, or CAIR.
A statement released to reporters by Basim Elkarra, executive director of the CAIR chapter in Sacramento, offered support and condolences to the angry and afraid Sikh community. Elkarra also claimed that the crime could have been motivated by the traditional dress of the Sikh men, which could have made the men targets for anti-Islamic anger.
No arrests have been made, though a $20,000 reward has been offered by local community groups to anyone who can provide information that leads the arrest of the men responsible.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer is Your Best Bet
If you are suspected of committing a violent crime or hate crime, the consequences can be extremely serious. You may be facing many years in prison if you are convicted. As such, it is important to contact a
Santa Anna criminal defense attorney immediately if you have been charged with criminal allegations. The Law Offices of Apkarian and Zalewski have represented countless cases with distinction in the courtroom, earning a fierce reputation for excellent defense.
Do not delay! Contact a Santa Anna violent crime defense attorney for a free consultation.
