2 Charged With Assaulting Disabled Man, Posting Video, Seek Plea Deal
PONTIAC (WWJ/AP) - Two young men accused of beating up a Pontiac man with cerebral palsy and recording it on his cell phone are looking for a plea bargain.
Nikey Walker and Shadeed Bey — both 20-year-old residents of Pontiac — waived their right to a key hearing Tuesday, a move that sends the case to Oakland County Circuit Court.
Defense attorney Mitch Ribitwer says the video is a significant piece of evidence.
Ribitwer, who represents Bey, told The Oakland Press that the strategy might be "damage control and trying to get the best possible" plea deal.
[WARNING: Video contains extensive strong language, racial epithets – WATCH IT HERE].
The 20-year-old suspects are charged with assault and other crimes at the Phoenix Place Apartments on Nov. 29. Investigators say the pair attacked the victim in a stairwell, stole his phone, and then posted video of the assault to the victim's Facebook page, as well as their own pages.
Following Walker and Bey's arrests, Sheriff Mike Bouchard called them "cowards," adding that, "Preying on those in our community who suffer from disabilities will not be tolerated."
Cerebral palsy is a brain disorder that can affect movement, posture and muscle coordination.
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