Accomplice to
Singh's Death Sentenced

A 22-year-old man from Sacramento, Calif., has been sentenced to 150 days in jail for his role in the death of a gay immigrant, the Associated Press reported Friday.

Aleksandr Shevchenko was convicted of disturbing the peace after allegedly throwing a bottle at Satender Singh during a confrontation in July 2007 at a Sacramento-area lake. The jury deadlocked on whether to add a hate-crime charge to Shevchenko's sentence.

Singh's death became a symbol of tension between the gay community and some members of the local Slavic evangelical movement who spread antigay rhetoric and protest at gay pride events.

Keith Johnson, a gay rights activist, said the case gave the issue needed attention. While Shevchenko's sentence "sends a strong message," Johnson told the Sacramento Bee, "there is no satisfaction for the crime [of Singh's death]."

Singh died four days after allegedly being punched by Andrey Vusik, one of several men who were with Shevchenko at the lake. Vusik is believed to have fled the country. (The Advocate)