Kyle Skyock Photo Gallery

Rocky Mountain News

http://denver.rockymountainnews.com/kyle/

A Town Divided

In February 2001, Rifle teen Kyle Skyock said four other teens beat him

unconscious and left him face down alongside U.S. 6. Skyock said he

was attacked because he was gay, while Rifle police believe otherwise.

Kyle Skyock, 16, a Rifle teen who says four boys beat him in February

because they thought he was gay, is hugged by a friend, Kimmie Seay, 15,

while another friend, Gina Thurber, 16, stands at left. The teens were in

the parking lot of Rifle's Fireside Restaurant and Lounge to sing karaoke.

Linda McConnell © News

Kyle Skyock says he is more serious about his weightlifting after what he

and his family call "the incident," his alleged beating last winter.

Linda McConnell © News

Manager Kim Herwick of the Rifle Elks Lodge describes Kyle Skyock as

"a perfect employee" and a "go-getter" who's highly regarded by the customers.

Linda McConnell © News

Many students at Rifle High School are friends of Kyle Skyock's. The attack

on the 16-year-old is a prime topic of conversation around town. Skyock's

family suspects a gang called the '02 Crew might be responsible for the beating.

Charles Lintott © Special to the News

Kyle Skyock, 16, holds hands with his mother, Sharlene Skyock, as his father,

Mike Skyock, stands next to them in Kyle's room at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction.

Kyle Skyock stands with his mother, Sharlene, at the doorway of their home in Rifle.

She doesn't like to have him out of her sight after the February beating, and is angry

Kyle Skyock sings karaoke at the Firestone Restaurant and Lounge in Rifle.

He loves singing and performing, and hopes to make this his profession someday.

Kyle Skyock returns to the scene of his February beating, about half a mile

east from the center of downtown Rifle. He remembers fighting off his

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