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Sentencing day in brutal gay beating

Monday, April 24, 2006

(New York -WABC, April 24, 2006) (WABC) -- It is sentencing day for a Brooklyn man convicted in the vicious beating of a gay man last year. Prosecutors say 23-year-old Steven Pomie targeted his victim as he walked last June.

Eyewitness News reporter Ken Rosato has the story from Downtown Brooklyn.

Walking in on his own in spite of having brain damage, shaky and scarred but nonetheless on his own power, Dwan Prince walked into the court room proudly, a testimony to his inner-strength.

Dwan Prince, Beating Victim: "He's been sentenced to 25 years. Hallelujah."

A relieved Dwan Prince after hearing that the man convicted of attacking him last year would face 25 years behind bars.

Dwan Prince, Beating Victim: "He looked at me like 'I'm gunna get you back.' Like he was gunna get me back."

Kleon Andreadis, Defense Attorney: "Steven has always denied his participation in this matter, in the extent of the assault. He, and I think the record is clear, when he was taken into custody he told police exactly who is responsible for this crime."

It was on June 9th that 28-year-old Dwan Prince was walking to his Brownsville home when he passed 23-year-old Steven Pomie and his colleagues. Prince and Pomie exchanged words and that's when Pomie stomped, kicked and beat Prince while screaming gay epithets at him. Prince was left in a coma, lucky to be alive.

Valerie Prinez, Victim's Mother: "Dwan is my hero. Dawn should be an inspiration and a hero throughout the world because no human being can go through to tolerate and to endure and still have positive spirit."

Last month Pomie was convicted of first degree assault and assault as a hate crime. The suspected gang member's eyes filled with tears as the decision was announced.

Though satisfied with the trial's outcome, Prince must live with the constant reminders of his attack, a partially paralyzed body and nerve damage.

Pomie's attorney is appealing this conviction. Also investigators are looking into the possibility that at least one other person may have been responsible for Prince's attack.

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