Prosecutors say Dion Marsh attacked four people because they were Jews. He is charged in part with four counts of violating federal law to prevent hate crimes and intentionally causing bodily harm, according to U.S. New Jersey Attorney General Philip R. Salinger.
According to the federal complaint, Marsh waived his rights and gave investigators a recorded statement. He allegedly told investigators, “It had to be done,” and that “these are the real devils.”
When investigators asked who he meant, Marsh allegedly replied, “Hasidic Jews.”
On April 8, federal prosecutors claimed that Marsh had abducted an orthodox Jew in Lakewood, attacked him and left, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Later that evening, while driving another vehicle, Marsh claimed to have hit a second orthodox Jew with the vehicle, “trying to kill the victim and causing him to receive several broken bones,” the statement said.
Within an hour of driving the vehicle he stole from the first victim, prosecutors said he “tried to kill” another orthodox Jew, using the vehicle to “deliberately hit the man.” He then got out of the car and stabbed the man in the chest with a knife, officials said.
About an hour and a half later, while driving the stolen vehicle, prosecutors said he deliberately hit another orthodox Jew walking in the nearby town of Jackson, causing several broken bones and internal injuries.
All the victims were “visibly identified” as orthodox Jews, officials said.
The march was detained around midnight on April 9 at his home, officials said.
In total, he faces three hate crimes charges of attempted murder of the latest victims, a separate hate crime charge of assaulting an earlier victim and car theft.
Each of the three hate crimes for attempted murder carries a legal maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a $ 250,000 fine, according to the report.
The march faces “related” state charges, according to federal officials, and will initially appear on federal charges in the future.
CNN is seeking more information on these related allegations, but was unable to contact an attorney for comment.
Add Comment