Share this @internewscast.com

Two men have been arrested and charged with hate crimes in connection with the brutal beating of two LGBTQ women in Miami that was caught on camera in November, according to NBC South Florida.

Jorge Giovani Estevez, 33, was arrested Wednesday and charged with one count of battery with prejudice, according to arrest records shared by the Miami Police Department. Daiken Fernandez, 25, was arrested the same day and charged with two counts of felony battery with prejudice, the records show. 

Efforts to reach Estevez and Fernandez on Tuesday were unsuccessful, and their defense attorneys have not yet been announced.

The incident took place Nov. 26 in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, which is known worldwide for its art galleries and colorful street murals. In video footage obtained last month by NBC South Florida, two men can be seen attacking the two women and their male friend, who reportedly tried to intervene.

“This group of guys, basically, they just started screaming stuff at us, anti-lesbian comments … and he used a profanity word,” one of the victims, who asked that her name not be published because of fears of retaliation from her attackers, told NBC South Florida in a video interview last month.

She added that she was punched in the face three times and that her injuries may require surgery.

The beatings caused the other woman — who also asked that her name not be published for the same reason as her friend — to fall, strike her head and lose consciousness, she said.

“I definitely felt targeted for sure; I mean they were definitely trying to hate on the fact that we were gay,” she told NBC South Florida. “I don’t understand to this day why.”

Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales told NBC South Florida that such encounters are rare in the city and will not be tolerated.

“We need to respect one another and respect the rights of our fellow citizens to actually live life in a safe and happy way,” he said.

Estevez was released on a $5,000 bond and Fernandez was released on a $7,500 bond, according to a spokesperson for Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez. The men are set to be arraigned Jan. 26, the spokesperson added.

If convicted, the pair could face up to 15 year prison sentences for each of the felony counts against them, according to NBC South Florida.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
River North bar shooting: Machael Matthews partially acquitted in murder of Sound-Bar Nightclub security guard Thurman Bailey

River North Shooting Verdict: Michael Matthews Partially Acquitted in Sound-Bar Nightclub Security Guard Murder Case

A partial acquittal has been reached in the case of a man…
Here's how tariffs could impact holiday shopping season: Analysis

Analyzing the Potential Impact of Tariffs on This Year’s Holiday Shopping Season

This holiday season, American consumers might find themselves facing steeper prices on…
LSU professor emeritus compares Charlie Kirk to KKK leader after governor proposes statue on campus

Controversy Erupts at LSU: Emeritus Professor Equates Charlie Kirk to KKK Leader Amid Governor’s Statue Proposal

In a recent wave of controversy, Louisiana’s political scene is ablaze following…
Jamaica Hurricane Melissa update: Romeoville, Illinois couple stranded as Category 5 Hurricane brings flooding, catastrophic winds

Update on Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica: Romeoville, Illinois Couple Stranded Amidst Category 5 Storm’s Devastating Floods and Winds

Residents of Jamaica, speaking with ABC7, have expressed that while they have…
Alleged stalker detained then released after girls’ hit-and-run deaths, arrested days later: officials

Teen Charged with Double Murder After Allegedly Running Down Two Girls on E-Bike: 911 Calls Expose Scene of Chaos

EXCLUSIVE: New Jersey authorities have unveiled 911 call recordings linked to a…
Attorney says Virginia school missed warnings before 6-year-old shot teacher

Virginia School Ignored Critical Red Flags Before 6-Year-Old’s Shocking Shooting Incident, Attorney Reveals

Lawyers representing a Virginia teacher, who was shot by a 6-year-old student,…
Burglar arrested for rape of 74-year-old woman in Long Island apartment

Long Island Burglar Arrested for Shocking Assault on 74-Year-Old Woman in Her Apartment

In a disturbing incident that has shocked the local community, law enforcement…
'Predator: Badlands' director Dan Trachtenberg wanted to "force" classic movie monster "through a gauntlet"

Director Dan Trachtenberg Challenges Classic Movie Monster in ‘Predator: Badlands’ Showdown

Director Dan Trachtenberg takes audiences to new heights of danger with “Predator:…
DHS shares 'video evidence' to justify Border Patrol's tear gas use during chaotic Chicago immigration raid

DHS Releases Video Evidence Supporting Border Patrol’s Tear Gas Deployment in Turbulent Chicago Immigration Operation

Footage released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims to justify…
Hurricane Melissa churns across Cuba as a Category 3 storm

Category 3 Hurricane Melissa Advances Across Cuba with Powerful Force

On Wednesday, Hurricane Melissa made its presence felt as a formidable Category…
'Aggressive' research monkey on the loose after truck crash in Mississippi

Aggressive Research Monkey Escapes Following Truck Accident in Mississippi

JASPER COUNTY, Mississippi — A search is underway for a research monkey…
Aide to Mass Gov. Healey charged in cocaine trafficking scheme allegedly linked to state office building

Aide to Massachusetts Governor Healey Accused in Cocaine Trafficking Operation Allegedly Tied to State Office Building

Authorities have arrested a Massachusetts governor’s aide on allegations of cocaine trafficking.…