MOBILE, Ala. (AP)—A woman who was attacked and beaten says the assault was not a hate crime.
Mallory Owens tells WKRG-TV that her being gay is not the reason she was attacked.
Owens’ mother had pressed for more charges in the attack, saying it took place because of her daughter’s sexual orientation. A civil rights group on Tuesday urged a federal review of the case.
Authorities say 18-year-old Travis Hawkins Jr. is charged with beating Owens during a Thanksgiving gathering at his home. He is the brother of a woman Owens is dating.
The 23-year-old Owens was hospitalized with skull fractures, a broken jaw and severe swelling.
Hawkins is scheduled to be arraigned on the charges Dec. 10.
