A Halloween gathering in Florida’s Tiger Bay forest turned into a disturbing incident after a 19-year-old man with a disability was allegedly surrounded and brutally attacked by a group of young people.
According to the sheriff, the victim “basically has only one arm” and was attending a bonfire when the confrontation began.
Police released video footage showing one person insulting the young man before striking him in the face. Two others then allegedly joined the attack, knocking him to the ground and continuing to beat him.
A woman could be heard pleading with the attackers to stop, but the violence reportedly continued for between 30 and 40 minutes.
Covered in blood, the victim repeatedly asked: “What did I do to you?”
Meanwhile, the person recording the incident moved the phone close to his face and repeatedly told him to smile. Others allegedly spat on him and celebrated while the attack continued.
Four Young Men Face Serious Criminal Charges
Authorities initially arrested Cody Stripling, 18, and Sebastian Bowers, 19.
Police subsequently arrested two additional suspects, Logan Levesque and Casey Knight, both 18.
All four face charges of aggravated abuse of a person with a disability, battery by strangulation and aggravated battery.
Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed his disgust over the alleged attack, saying that “it makes you want to vomit.”
He also warned that the accused could face felony convictions that would follow them for the rest of their lives.
Logan Levesque’s Father Speaks Out
The case also prompted a response from Logan Levesque’s father, who reportedly had not spoken to his son for nearly two years.
After learning about the incident, he offered to assist investigators with their inquiries.
He also made it clear that he would not provide his son with financial or legal support.
The father expressed regret over what happened and apologised directly to the victim and his family.
The investigation and criminal proceedings will determine the responsibility of each accused individual.
