Overview

• The confrontation occurred Sept. 13 around 7:45 p.m. near 550 River St. in Mattapan.
• Police are investigating the case as a suspected hate crime following reports of homophobic slurs.
• A victim told officers the dispute escalated after the couple approached a group of men, leading to a fight in the street.
• One partner was struck in the back of the head with a baseball bat and was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for evaluation.
• Civil Rights Unit detectives released images of eight men tied to the case and are seeking tips as the investigation remains active.