Three Florida family members face hate crime charges after prosecutors say they brutally beat a man because of his sexual orientation.
According to the Broward State Attorney’s Office, Inna Makarenko, 44; Yevhen Makarenko, 43; and Oleh Makarenko, 21; are all facing possible life sentences after they were each charged with first-degree murder, battery during the burglary of a dwelling, and kidnapping.
In August last year, the Makarenkos forced their way into a Pompano Beach home and brutally beat a 31-year-old gay man, who, in addition to other serious injuries, was left permanently blind as a result of the assault, according to prosecutors.
In order to protect the victim’s privacy, authorities decided not to release further details about the attack. However, law enforcement officials confirmed that the assailants knew the victim before the attack and deliberately targeted him because he is gay.
The group was arrested in Broward County last month, and they are being held without bail.
A fourth suspect, Vladylav Makarenko, 25, in connection to the attack, was extradited from Alabama to the Broward County jail on Monday, prosecutors said. No charges were immediately filed.
