Hate Crime Charges Laid In Gay Actor Attack
by Mary Ellen Peterson
365Gay.com Newscenter in Los Angeles
October 2, 2002

(Los Angeles)  Hate crime charges were laid today against two of three men arrested in the attacks on actor Trev Broudy and three other men in West Hollywood.

The two suspects were arrested last night by Los Angeles Sheriff's Department deputies. The third man, who has not yet been charged, was already in police custody on an unrelated charge.

Captain Linda Castro of the West Hollywood division told 365Gay.com investigators hope to question the third suspect later today. Castro said his identity will not be released until charges are laid.

Charged with assault with a deadly weapon, attempted robbery, and commission of a hate crime are Larry Walker, 29 and Vincent Botsun, 18, both of Los Angeles.

The pair is expected to be arraigned Thursday.  They remain in custody on $130,000 bond each.

Castro, in an interview with 365Gay.com said that if convicted, the men face "enhanced sentences" as a result of the hate crime charges.

Castro praised the West Hollywood gay community for its help in catching the men.

"The community helped our officers in putting up posters of the wanted men, and alerting people to be careful when walking alone on the streets," Castro said.

Broudy was attacked on Labor Day weekend after he embraced a friend outside his home in the mostly gay neighborhood. 

The 33 year old actor was struck in the back of the head with either a baseball bat or iron bar. He was unconscious for 10 days, but is making "remarkable progress" Castro said.

"He is walking and talking".  Broudy, who appeared in the The Fluffer, is undergoing physiotherapy.  "It will be some time, though," Castro said, "before doctors know if there is any lasting brain damage as a result of his injuries.

"He is working with the doctors.  He's doing all sorts of tests and they are using word puzzles and movement exercises to reactivate his brain."

Broudy's friend sustained less severe injuries and was treated and released from hospital.

Since the attack on Broudy and his friend two other beatings have been reported to police.  The most recent was 10 days ago.  Neither victim's injuries required hospitalization.

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