Attack Victim Dies
Tony Randolph Hunter succumbs to injuries in possible hate crime
The Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit (GLLU) of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department announced early today, Sept. 18, that Tony Randolph Hunter died Sept. 17 at 4:14 p.m. at Howard University Hospital due to injuries inflicted in a Sept. 7 attack on the 1300 block of Eighth Street NW. Hunter was one of two men attacked during a robbery.
According to the GLLU, the incident involving Hunter, 37, of Clinton, Md., is being investigated as a hate crime ”based upon the victims’ actual or perceived sexual orientation,” and due to the location of the attack. Be Bar, a lounge that caters to the gay community, is located at 1318 Ninth St. NW, about a block from the attack in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood. Friends of Hunter have confirmed that he was heading to that venue when he was attacked. A final determination on whether the attack was a hate/bias crime ”will be made by the MPD’s Hate/Bias Crimes Coordinator after a complete review of the evidence, facts and circumstances.”
The other victim, a 23-year-old from Fort Washington, Md., suffered a bruise to his jaw, and was treated and released from a local hospital following the attack. Hunter suffered a laceration to the back of the head and had been in critical condition.
MPD Acting Lt. Brett Parson, who is responsible for all MPD liaison units, including the GLLU, says suspects allegedly stole a set of car keys and $15 before fleeing in an unknown direction. Police are on the lookout for ”four black males, between 19-22 years old, 5’9”-6’2,” all wearing blue jeans and T-shirts.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call police at 202-727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIM, or by sending a confidential text message to the police at 50411. The MPD offers rewards of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people responsible for homicides committed in the District.
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