Brooklyn man to
be sentenced in gay hate assault

A Brooklyn man convicted of a hate crime for the brutal beating of a gay neighbor is facing up to 25 years in prison at his sentencing Monday. Steven Pomie, a suspected street gang member, was convicted by a jury last month of first-degree assault and assault as a hate crime for the June 9, 2005, attack on Dwan Prince. Pomie attacked Prince as he walked home in Brownsville, shouting antigay slurs as he beat him unconscious and kicked him in the head, prosecutors said. Prince suffered severe head injuries and remained in a coma for some time. Authorities said Pomie, with the victim already beaten, bloodied, and down on the ground, delivered the final blow by kicking him in the head. Investigators said they believed Pomie knew about Prince's homosexuality before the attack. Police said witnesses told them that Pomie was walking down the street in a pink tank top that belonged to his girlfriend when he noticed Prince staring at him. Pomie allegedly asked Prince, "What are you looking at? You want a piece of me?" Investigators believe Prince responded by saying something that enraged Pomie, who then began beating the victim. Police said Pomie has an extensive arrest record and is a suspected member of the Crips. (AP)