New York man faces hate crime charge in assault on his elderly Black neighbor

LYONS, N.Y. — A Newark man is facing a hate crime charge after prosecutors say he attacked his 70-year-old Black neighbor with a 2‑by‑4 while shouting racial slurs, reports 13 WAHM. The indictment follows months of pressure from the victim’s family, who urged officials to treat the case as a hate crime.

Black Man in 70s Assaulted, Neighbor Charged With Hate Crime

Brandon Watt, 39, pleaded not guilty Tuesday after a Wayne County grand jury charged him with second‑degree assault as a hate crime and harassment.

Investigators reported that Watt targeted neighbor Johnny White for weeks before the June 23 attack. They said Watt repeatedly used racial slurs and made threats during several confrontations.

Because the harassment escalated over time, officials said the case met the threshold for a hate crime enhancement.

Victim Suffers Serious Injuries in Violent Confrontation

Police said Watt struck White several times with the 2×4 wooden board. As a result, White suffered fractures to his nose, jaw and orbital bone.

White, now 71, said he never expected the harassment to turn violent.

Moreover, he told investigators that Watt’s comments were always directed at him.

“When he saw me, it was always addressed to me, the only Black person there,” White told 13 WAHM.

“I never thought it would go to this level.”

White’s family attended the arraignment and said the indictment reflects the severity of the attack. Some filled the courtroom wearing shirts that said “End Racism” and “Justice for Johnny.”

“It was serious, and for this guy that don’t know my brother, why would you do something like that?” said White’s sister, Donna. “My brother don’t even know you. My brother don’t speak evil. He’s about peace.”

Defendant Held on Bail and Faces Significant Prison Time

Watt was taken from the courtroom in handcuffs after entering his plea. He is being held on $25,000 cash bail, according to court officials.

Additionally, prosecutors said Watt faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top charge.

The case will return to court later this month as attorneys prepare for pretrial motions.