Orange County News

Search on for third suspect in OC hate crime

Friday, April 08, 2011
Matthew Branstetter (left) and Nolan Wickham (right) were arrested for what authorities said was a robbery and hate crime in Orange Countys upscale Coto De Caza community.

Matthew Branstetter (left) and Nolan Wickham (right) were arrested for what authorities said was a robbery and hate crime in Orange County's upscale Coto De Caza community. (KABC Photo)

The search is under way for a third suspect wanted in a robbery and hate crime in Orange County's upscale Coto De Caza community.

The victim recognized one of the attackers, which led to the arrests of 19-year-olds Matthew Branstetter and Nolan Wickham from Rancho Santa Margarita.

Authorities said the two men, along with a third suspect, attacked and robbed a 23-year-old man at the Youth Park near Via Pajaro and Vista Del Verde on Wednesday night.

Investigators said the attackers beat the victim while yelling anti-Semitic slurs.

They also allegedly scrawled swastikas, with various curse words and the phrase "white power."

The victim underwent several hours of surgery, but is expected to recover.

(Copyright ©2013 KABC-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

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hate crime, arrest, orange county news
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