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.

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.