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Man to sue neighbors over beating
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Anonymous | 6:33 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
Good! The animosity toward gays must stop! If the only way to do that is fight
in the courts, then so be it!
Sue Them All | 6:56 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
Sue the neighbors. Sue the police. Sue the D.A.. Show us all how they screwed up
this case. Don't stop!!!!!
disagree | 7:05 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
this was not a hate crime because he is Gay. It was a hate crime because he
took the kids. The Gay movement needs to stop their animosity towards the
general public.
Comments continue below
Justice | 7:25 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
This has nothing to do with the fact that he is gay. It has everything to do
with justice. Gay or straight, this man was wronged and he should sue to see
justice. It is unacceptable for anyone in this society, let alone a gang of
people, to beat up and assault another citizen. We need order and justice in
society and that's why we have the court system.
Why do gay people hate me? | 7:28 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
I see so many gay people hating everyone because they feel everyone is out to
get them. They turn into the thing they say they are fighting against.
INTOLERANCE of others. Not others hating them, just everyone else.
baloney. | 7:31 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
He did not take the kids. He was acquitted. NOT GUILTY. The judge even verbally
questioned why the case was ever brought to trial. They beat him because of mere
perception, and possibly because he is gay.
you had me | 7:37 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
until you said "you believed it turned into a hate crime." Well,
everybody knows it started as a hate crime. In fact, all crimes are hate
crimes. Especially when someone beats you up.
calm&rational | 7:41 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
Bell should sue,; this incident has been mismanaged from the outset by those we
trust to do so.
This is in all probability a hate crime, whether due to the victim's persuasion or race as the perpetrators were of one homogenous group and reacted disproportionately. Since when is retrieving Kool-aid that is not tainted with alcohol for the children worthy of such a heavyhanded response? The inebriated condition of the parents and fellow beaters does not absolve them in any way, no more than we excuse drunk drivers for the damage from their car accidents --- quite the contrary!
Certainly those involved in this beating failed their societal responisibilities, as did the police investigating this incident; a satisfactory reason has yet to be made for the police's ineptitude; an investigation should be made and official's heads should roll.
That prosecutors waited until two days before trial to contact one of the victims indicates a lack of commitment. Why? Did they already see just how botched the investigation was and knew how hopeless and in error their assigned task to prosecute these men was? Why else would one wait so long to interview the victim?
This is in all probability a hate crime, whether due to the victim's persuasion or race as the perpetrators were of one homogenous group and reacted disproportionately. Since when is retrieving Kool-aid that is not tainted with alcohol for the children worthy of such a heavyhanded response? The inebriated condition of the parents and fellow beaters does not absolve them in any way, no more than we excuse drunk drivers for the damage from their car accidents --- quite the contrary!
Certainly those involved in this beating failed their societal responisibilities, as did the police investigating this incident; a satisfactory reason has yet to be made for the police's ineptitude; an investigation should be made and official's heads should roll.
That prosecutors waited until two days before trial to contact one of the victims indicates a lack of commitment. Why? Did they already see just how botched the investigation was and knew how hopeless and in error their assigned task to prosecute these men was? Why else would one wait so long to interview the victim?
j | 8:00 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
The beating only took place when the neighbor found the kids with him. They had
been neighbors for a while without incident, I suppose. Also, he was with the
neighbor singing prior to the beating, indicating the neighbor did not have a
problem, I can't connect where the hate is if hate is the motive.
Better intention or not it would have been better had the adult neighbors (drunk or not) were contacted instead of taking the kids.
Regardless, those who did the beating need to be punished severly.
Better intention or not it would have been better had the adult neighbors (drunk or not) were contacted instead of taking the kids.
Regardless, those who did the beating need to be punished severly.
Jon | 8:22 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
I think you should ask about these parents who were up partying all night and
had no idea where the kids ended up. Why are the kids in this enviroment? Why
is the mother not in trouble?
Bob | 8:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
Bell clearly sounds like the victim here. However, I do not support a law suit
against the police department. They are there to serve us and I think a
tendency to sue everyone is part of what's wrong with America not part of
the anwser. I do however feel very sorry for Bell.
Anonymous | 8:46 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
I've never seen such hatemongering as there is in Salt Lake City.
Re: Anonymous 8:46 | 8:58 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
You haven't traveled very much, obviously.
To Bob at 8:30 pm | 9:34 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to get government agencies (including the
police) to clean up their processes is to hit them with a civil suit. If they
actually had done their duty and served us, as you believe they should, there
would be no need for a lawsuit. However, just because someone puts on a uniform
does not mean they are above the law.
Anarchy | 9:39 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
This was a mob mentality that resulted in the lawless assult. If they felt a
crime had been committed they should have called the police after they got their
children back. Instead they were above it and took the law into their own hands
and almost killed a human being. I hope the lawsuit results in the arrest of
the neighbors and anyone else invold in attack. Mobs shouldn't rule...when
they do we have anarchy.
Good Luck Bell, | 9:58 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
I hope you win!!! It's getting so no one can even be nice to kids anymore.
The parents should have been watching more closely so they knew where their
children were. They are at fault for having the little ones bother neighbors,
and the beating, Horrendus!!!
Anonymous | 10:07 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
They threw a TV on this guys head. How can you defend that? And the cops
didn't even investigate the beating, just focused only on the supposed
kidnapping. The Bell's spent all their money defending the kidnapping
charges which were defeated quickly. Of course they should sue, and they should
win.
KC | 10:37 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
If this man was beaten as described, his assailants should be serving long
prison sentences.
Anonymous | 11:53 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009
If this doesn't fit the profile of a hate crime, what crime would?
Just another statistic | 12:08 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
I've been run though a system that rewards the police and the district
attorneys for immoral behavior, a system where convictions regardless of fact
creates promotions. A system where the police can legally tell you that you
failed a polygraph that you passed in order to coerce a confession. I've
seen it all, and if not for some cool minds at the top such as these men found
with the judge, could have been locked up for a long time. It's time we
stop rewarding an oftentimes corrupt system with promotions and raises and start
punishing for incompetance. I hope you 2 continue to raise public awareness in
these situations.
Sue 'em | 12:18 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Yes, I would sue. In our country there is an excessive amt of suing going on
but this is one that is justified. If the reporting here is accurate, there is
no reason the assailants are not behind bars and paying massive fines. Sue
'em 'til the cows come home.
Sue | 1:48 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Sue and I hope you win a lot!!!
hate crime vs crime | 1:57 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
First off, Bell was totally innocent. This has been a horrible ordeal Bell
should not have had to go through!
But how could this be a hate crime just because he was gay, if, like he said, he was singing with the polynesians in their back yard moments before everything happened? Sorry, not a hate crime just because he's gay. BUT absolutely a crime!!! Sue them for beating you!!! We can't have this happening in our neighborhoods!!! Send them to jail so they can finally suffer the consequences for their actions!!!
But how could this be a hate crime just because he was gay, if, like he said, he was singing with the polynesians in their back yard moments before everything happened? Sorry, not a hate crime just because he's gay. BUT absolutely a crime!!! Sue them for beating you!!! We can't have this happening in our neighborhoods!!! Send them to jail so they can finally suffer the consequences for their actions!!!
Conflict of interest? | 3:06 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
The prosecuting attorney got egg all over his face and that is his best
response? Conflict of interest not to press charges against the party mob for
the beating? They are two different cases which should have had charges filed on
both sides of the story.
As some one said, it was a poor investigation by the police and how much discrimination is being placed on the Caucasians now by a politically correct justice system. Don't make waves when a person of color is involved in a crime in fear of a discrimination suit.
As some one said, it was a poor investigation by the police and how much discrimination is being placed on the Caucasians now by a politically correct justice system. Don't make waves when a person of color is involved in a crime in fear of a discrimination suit.
mike | 4:14 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Definately a hate crime, and I hope these guys do sue the heck out of the city
and everyone involved with the beating. I hope they win their suit big time.
Cops cannot be expected to conduct a real investigation these days unless they can do it from their desk with a few strokes on a keyboard and few clicks of the mouse.
They are totally lazy, doughnut gobbling nuts.
Cops cannot be expected to conduct a real investigation these days unless they can do it from their desk with a few strokes on a keyboard and few clicks of the mouse.
They are totally lazy, doughnut gobbling nuts.
Anonymous | 5:05 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
SOUNDS LIKE THE NEIGHBORS GOT GAY AND PEDOPHILE MIXED UP IN THIER DRUNKEN
STUPOR.THEY MUST NOT HAVE HATED THEM THEY WERE OVER PARTYING AND SINGING.
Anonymous | 5:45 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
I hope they get some justice.
Teaching them is a favor | 6:24 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Suing the neighboors will be a service to them. If no one teaches them this kind
of behavior is un-acceptable, next time they might do this to someone like me
for who knows what reason.
If they did, it would be their last time.
If they did, it would be their last time.
Anonymous | 6:28 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
I to wonder why the Latu family, that beat Bell so horribly, have not been
charged. It appears to me that the cops decided at once that Bell was quilty so
there was no need for an ivestigation. I believe the police department should
be on top of the list to sue, for allowing this beating to go unpunished. I
thought that in this country a person was not quilty until he was proven to be.
But in this case he was tried convicted and punished in a matter of minutes and
the cops allowed this to happen without consequences for the Latu family. I am
not one for suing, but, I hope Bell wins big time for everything he has so
unjustly been put through.
Anonymous | 6:42 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
There is too much hate being spewed forth. Against gays, liberals, President
Obama, immigrants, etc., etc., etc. Please, For a so-called Christian nation,
this is unacceptable.
SJ Bobkins | 6:53 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Beat first, then ask questions, that's the Christ-like approach Right?
NOT
Oh, but Leviticus says we can kill women who commit adultery or those who eat the wrong food such as shellfish or wear clothes with two different fabrics, and since we still uphold such laws we must be able to whip them there flamers into going straight and not recruiting our kids, Right?
When religious leaders spread conflicting information and when that information is false and inflammatory, people who think such a leader speaks for God they then feel that they have a right to beat up gays. I hope this case awakens people up that you can't do such things and you must treat everyone with respect and give them the same rights you expect to have. Gays are not perverts, they didn't choose to be gay anymore than I choose to be straight. There is blood on all those who cannot accept the plain truth. Stop the beatings and the suicides, LIVE AND LET LIVE.
Oh, but Leviticus says we can kill women who commit adultery or those who eat the wrong food such as shellfish or wear clothes with two different fabrics, and since we still uphold such laws we must be able to whip them there flamers into going straight and not recruiting our kids, Right?
When religious leaders spread conflicting information and when that information is false and inflammatory, people who think such a leader speaks for God they then feel that they have a right to beat up gays. I hope this case awakens people up that you can't do such things and you must treat everyone with respect and give them the same rights you expect to have. Gays are not perverts, they didn't choose to be gay anymore than I choose to be straight. There is blood on all those who cannot accept the plain truth. Stop the beatings and the suicides, LIVE AND LET LIVE.
Mom | 7:04 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Absolutely shameful behavior on the part of the neighbors and the police..Lulu
Latu...hm...wonder what would happen if she turned out to be in this country
illegally...???
Rob Osborne | 7:22 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
It's unfortunate that our justice system fails and civil litigation is the
only way for victims to get relief! I wish them well in their suit!
Every right to file lawsuit | 7:49 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Parents out partying, unsupervised children, and a neighbor attempts to care for
them. Being Gay has NOTHING to do with this story except that the neighbors used
it as an excuse to beat these men up.
I hope these guys in their lawsuit. The neighbors should have been arrested, the Police could be looking at a discrimination lawsuit. More tax dollars wasted.
I hope these guys in their lawsuit. The neighbors should have been arrested, the Police could be looking at a discrimination lawsuit. More tax dollars wasted.
What? | 7:50 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Anybodys see the photos (one news channel showed them) of the beating these two
men endured?
Forget about anything other than that!
How in the world were the party-goers not charged with a crime?
Even if a kidnapping had occurred, how is that justification for what happened?
I just don't understand how multiple charges were not filed against those who carried out the beatings.
If the evidence showed probable cause for kidnapping charges, I'm fine with those charges being brought and the alleged criminals tried. Turns out they were innocent, and I am fine with that too.
But, how do you not charge those who carried out the beatings? To begin with? Not as an afterthought, or because of pressure or embarrassment.
Wow, it's just amazing. Did the policmen think those who administered the beating fit into some kind of vigilante exception to the law, or what???
Forget about anything other than that!
How in the world were the party-goers not charged with a crime?
Even if a kidnapping had occurred, how is that justification for what happened?
I just don't understand how multiple charges were not filed against those who carried out the beatings.
If the evidence showed probable cause for kidnapping charges, I'm fine with those charges being brought and the alleged criminals tried. Turns out they were innocent, and I am fine with that too.
But, how do you not charge those who carried out the beatings? To begin with? Not as an afterthought, or because of pressure or embarrassment.
Wow, it's just amazing. Did the policmen think those who administered the beating fit into some kind of vigilante exception to the law, or what???
to: SJ Bobkins | 7:56 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
This article was not posted for you to push the gay agenda and your own moral
convictions. If you want to refer to the bible, "All things become new in
Christ". Please first know what they mean before referring to them.
What is a hate crime? | 8:03 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Not sure exactly what a hate crime is. Is there crimes committed that are not
somehow hate crimes? Do people rob banks out of love for their fellow man? Do
people beat or shoot other people because they love them? This whole hate crime
thing seems kind of silly to me. Has a hate crime ever been committed against a
straight white person? I'm not saying Bell shouldn't sue, maybe he
should. But I just think the hate crime angle is silly.
To Anonymous | 8:46 | 8:11 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Tell me about it. Have you seen how many people around here hate the LDS
Church? There are a lot of hate filled people in Utah. I see them
demonstrating when we go to general conference. I see their disrespect towards
private property. They make fun of those trying to lead a moral life.
I've meet some that when they find out I'm LDS become very cold
towards me. Yes, I have seen a lot of intolerant people in Utah.
jooj | 8:17 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
As a 30 something year old mother of 5, I can tell you that had the Latu
children been in my doorway, I would probably not have been beaten. Even my
husband would probably not have been beaten. The Latu family beat these men
because they are gay. Any RATIONAL person could see that. This was a hate crime,
and as a lifelong Utah citizen and devout Mormon, I hope these men sue and get
all that they can from the police and the Latu family.
Sympathy | 8:18 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
This guy Bell had my sympathy all along, but now he is losing it. Sue sue sue.
Sue happy people.
Brad | 8:19 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
These people that beat these 2 guys need to be taught a lesson.
tigerlily | 8:25 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
TO ANON:: he didn't take the kids. it was a hate crime because he is gay
Moniker | 8:30 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
It's unlikely that these people have any assets. Being quick to violence
and poor parenting are not the trademarks of financial stability.
Criminal assault charges would be more appropriate, resulting in both spenddown and jail time. It cannot be denied that bodiy harm was both intended and done. The city has failed its civic responsibility.
Criminal assault charges would be more appropriate, resulting in both spenddown and jail time. It cannot be denied that bodiy harm was both intended and done. The city has failed its civic responsibility.
Enufzenuf | 8:43 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
At least Mr. Bell will now have his day in court during his civil case since he
didn't get it during his criminal case! I hope justice is finally served.
No matter what the circumstances were believed to have been by the
children's family, anyone who beats anyone else to a pulp should be
arrested. That's why we have a legal system vs. a vigilante system in this
country. Too bad the So. Salt Lake Police Dept. doesn't understand that
concept.
Jan | 8:47 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Why aren't the people who beat these men in prison? I don't
understand the rational used when charging the victims with a crime, and not
charging the vigilante criminals. I think one of the problems with our country
is that we're so lawsuit happy. BUT this is a lawsuit that's
DEFINITELY warranted. The criminals should have to pay all past, present and
future medical costs associated with their crime. My only issue with the
lawsuit is that it won't result in the criminals doing prison time.
Erick | 8:51 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
Wait a second ... in the original article, I remember it stating that the
beating took place because they found the guys molesting the kids. The police
were lenient in charging the family with the beatings because these guys were
molesting the boys.
Does anyone else remember this?
Does anyone else remember this?
Pagan | 9:04 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
DJ Bell was found not guilty. He spent 15months of people wondering if he hurt
these children.
The parents broke down his door and beat him & his partner so bad one needed 3 surgeries to fix his eye socket.
The DA has pressed no charges for the assualt.
Our system needs to be held accountable. The police, who assumed Bell was guilty, did not even want to take him to a hopsital. The prosocution tried to make a case out of heresay.
I cannot prove this but I believe that Bell and Fair were beaten because they were gay. Anyone else would not have recived a beating like that. The police tried to incriminate bell because he is gay. Both though it was ok because they are 'just gay.'
I have two words in response.
That is 'just wrong.'
And now we're going to show you why.
The parents broke down his door and beat him & his partner so bad one needed 3 surgeries to fix his eye socket.
The DA has pressed no charges for the assualt.
Our system needs to be held accountable. The police, who assumed Bell was guilty, did not even want to take him to a hopsital. The prosocution tried to make a case out of heresay.
I cannot prove this but I believe that Bell and Fair were beaten because they were gay. Anyone else would not have recived a beating like that. The police tried to incriminate bell because he is gay. Both though it was ok because they are 'just gay.'
I have two words in response.
That is 'just wrong.'
And now we're going to show you why.
Anonymous | 9:07 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
What is a hate crime? | 8:03 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
"Not sure exactly what a hate crime is. Is there crimes committed that are not somehow hate crimes?"
Boy, all you had to do is look it up. A hate crime is meant to victimize not only the person that it is against, but also the part of the population that is like the victim.
This probably is not a hate crime unless these people were trying to scare all gays and were speaking ill of all gays.
But it was a crime.
"Not sure exactly what a hate crime is. Is there crimes committed that are not somehow hate crimes?"
Boy, all you had to do is look it up. A hate crime is meant to victimize not only the person that it is against, but also the part of the population that is like the victim.
This probably is not a hate crime unless these people were trying to scare all gays and were speaking ill of all gays.
But it was a crime.
@ what is a hate crime | 9:15 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
A hate crime is a crime that targets an individual because of his or her
membership or perceived membership in a group or class.
Robbing a bank has nothing to do with people - it has to do with wanting the money and other valuables that are in the bank.
Beating you up to steal your wallet - nothing to do with you, I just want your wallet.
Shooting random cars on a freeway or random individuals at a school - nothing to do with them personally.
Beating you up because you are my ex and I am mad at you - yes, that is personal, but the only people who have to fear me are other ex's who I am mad at.
Beating you up BECAUSE you are a Mormon - yes, it is personal but it is because of your membership in a group and all other members of that same group now have to fear I will treat them the same and beat them up. Instead of an individual victim, there is a group of victims.
Robbing a bank has nothing to do with people - it has to do with wanting the money and other valuables that are in the bank.
Beating you up to steal your wallet - nothing to do with you, I just want your wallet.
Shooting random cars on a freeway or random individuals at a school - nothing to do with them personally.
Beating you up because you are my ex and I am mad at you - yes, that is personal, but the only people who have to fear me are other ex's who I am mad at.
Beating you up BECAUSE you are a Mormon - yes, it is personal but it is because of your membership in a group and all other members of that same group now have to fear I will treat them the same and beat them up. Instead of an individual victim, there is a group of victims.
Jenn1981 | 9:17 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009
sorry but if it was my kids in their house id do the same thing they had no
business with these kids in their house what so ever in my eyes they deserved
everything they got. you just dont take some one elses kids into your house i
dont see it as a hate crime i see it as those people protecting their kids thats
your job in life to protect your family
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David Bell, flanked by his attorneys, Roger Kraft and Suzanne Gustin, announces Monday he and his partner will be filing civil charges against the people who severely beat them.
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