A 15-year-old in Massachusetts has admitted to carrying out a racially motivated attack in which he attempted to drown a Black teenager. The incident involved the attacker using racial slurs and referring to the victim as “George Floyd” due to the victim’s inability to breathe during the assault. The perpetrator, charged as a “youthful offender,” pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. This classification allows the court to impose adult sentences under specific circumstances, including cases involving serious bodily harm.
The attack occurred at Goose Pond in Chatham, Massachusetts, where the victim, another juvenile, and the assailant had gathered. Upon arriving, the attacker threatened the victim with a stone and directed racial slurs at him. The victim, who did not know how to swim, wore a life jacket before entering the water. Despite this, the assailant repeatedly pulled on the life jacket, submerging the victim underwater multiple times, causing breathing distress. Another juvenile present laughed and referred to the victim as “George Floyd” during the assault. The attack ceased when a bystander intervened, pulling the victim to safety.
Statements provided to authorities revealed the victim had pleaded with the attacker not to splash or push him due to his inability to swim. Despite these pleas, the assailant persisted, pushing the victim’s head underwater while he screamed for help. Witnesses described the attacker and another boy smirking during the incident. The victim recounted being submerged several times, with water entering his mouth and nose, making it difficult to breathe. He also stated that the attacker kicked and pushed him underwater while using derogatory language.
Later that evening, the same assailant allegedly struck an Asian child in the face and directed racial slurs at him, further demonstrating a pattern of racially motivated aggression.
The court proceedings are open to the public due to the youthful offender statute. This allows for a range of sentencing options, including adult penalties, commitment to youth services until the age of 21, or a combination of both. The defendant reached an agreement with prosecutors that includes a suspended three-year sentence, mandatory community service, completion of a behavioral education program, and writing an apology to the victim. However, the presiding judge has the discretion to impose a harsher sentence, which could lead to a trial if the terms of the agreement are rejected.
The defense attorney characterized the incident as a case of “horseplay” that escalated, a claim contradicted by the severity and racially charged nature of the attack. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing racially motivated violence, particularly among juveniles. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 2025, where the court will determine the final consequences for the attacker.
