An 18-year-old charged in an alleged hate-motivated attack at Ellisville’s Bluebird Park was released from custody Monday night, Oct. 26, according to his attorney, who says police mistakenly identified his client.
Attorney Jay Kanzler told KSDK he met with police and prosecutors Monday and that his client was released on his own recognizance. Bond had previously been set at $200,000.
Ellisville Police Chief Col. Andrew Vaughn said the department had received no indication that charges would be dropped. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office declined to clarify the case’s status and said the investigation remains ongoing.
According to charging documents cited by Fox 2, the suspect was charged with two felonies: first-degree assault and first-degree property damage motivated by discrimination. According to court documents, the victim was lured to Bluebird Park on Kiefer Creek Road early on Wednesday, Oct. 21, through the dating app Grindr. Fox 2 reported the attack began around 2:20 a.m. Police said four other people emerged from nearby bushes and the group attacked the victim, using slurs and demanding his belongings. The victim was hospitalized with serious injuries.
Police said several juveniles were involved in the attack and investigators were still working to identify everyone. The department said there may be similar unreported attacks and asked victims to come forward.
Anyone with information can call the Ellisville Police Department at 636-227-7777 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
