Man convicted of killing dancer in anti‑gay attack in New York sentenced to 20 years

BROOKLYN, N.Y — Dmitriy Popov has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for fatally stabbing dancer O’Shae Sibley during an anti‑gay confrontation at a gas station.

Justice Dena Douglas delivered the sentence weeks after a jury convicted Popov of first‑degree manslaughter as a hate crime.

What Happened to O’Shae Sibley?

Prosecutors said Popov, then 17, hurled racist and anti‑gay slurs at Sibley and his friends as they danced to Beyoncé’s Renaissance album. Surveillance video captured the confrontation moments before Popov stabbed Sibley in the chest.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said Sibley “was simply being himself — a Black gay man enjoying a summer evening — but his mere existence caused this defendant to curse, harass and ultimately kill him.”

Confrontation Began With Slurs

Video showed Popov and his friends confronting Sibley’s group after seeing one of the men dancing outside a car. One teen shouted, “Get that gay s–t out of here,” according to prosecutors.

While most of Popov’s group walked away, Popov continued taunting Sibley. He threatened one of Sibley’s friends with a knife before stabbing him.

Popov testified that he acted in self‑defense and denied using slurs, but witness testimony and video contradicted his claims.

Courtroom Filled With Emotional Statements

According to 6ABC, Sibley’s family and friends packed the courtroom, delivering emotional victim‑impact statements. His sister said, “We can never see my brother again.” Others described the killing as a devastating blow to the Black gay community.

One dancer said Sibley’s death left him “walking in constant fear.”

Sibley’s mother, Onetha Sibley, was too emotional to speak but later said she had to forgive Popov to protect her own health.

Popov apologized in court, saying he “never wanted to kill anybody,” but the judge denied his request for youthful‑offender status.

Sentence Includes Post‑Release Supervision

Popov will serve five years of post‑release supervision after completing his 20‑year sentence. He was also convicted of second‑degree menacing, second‑degree aggravated harassment and fourth‑degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Gonzalez said he hopes the sentence brings closure to Sibley’s loved ones and sends a message that hate‑motivated violence “will be met with serious consequences.”