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Suspect in Fatal Assault of Sikh Man Indicted on Hate Crime Charges in NYC

30-year-old Gilbert Augustin faces charges including manslaughter and assault as hate crimes for the brutal attack on 66-year-old Sikh man Jasmer Singh in Queens, who died from a brain injury the day after the incident. If convicted, Augustin, who repeatedly referred to Singh as "Turban man" during the road rage confrontation following a fender bender, could face up to 25 years in prison, prosecutors said.

Overview

  • Gilbert Augustin, 30, has been indicted on hate crime charges including manslaughter and assault for assaulting 66-year-old Sikh man Jasmer Singh in New York City.
  • The assault occurred after a minor traffic accident on the Van Wyck Expressway, during which Augustin reportedly referred to Singh as 'Turban man' repeatedly.
  • Augustin punched Singh thrice in the head after the argument escalated, causing Singh to fall and hit his head on the pavement, which led to a fatal brain injury.
  • Augustin attempted to prevent police involvement by grabbing Singh’s cellphone, and fled the scene after the assault. He was arrested the following day.
  • Despite the incident initially not being investigated as a hate crime, new information revealed in a grand jury led to the charges, which if convicted, could lead Augustin to face up to 25 years in prison.
  • The assault and subsequent death of Jasmer Singh has drawn attention to the increase in hate crimes, particularly against Jews, Muslims, and other groups, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.