Prosecutors in Kane County are exploring hate crime charges after Kady Grass, a lesbian woman, was brutally attacked at a McDonald's in Carpentersville, an incident that resulted in serious injury. As reported by CBS News Chicago, the attack took place last week, with Grass sustaining a broken nose, eye hemorrhage, and PTSD. Jamie Mosser, the Kane County State's attorney, said, "I want to assure the public that my office is conducting a thorough and unbiased review of this case to determine if adding additional charges such as Hate Crime is appropriate."
The incident, which was ignited by anti-gay slurs, involved two suspects: 19-year-old John Kammrad and a 17-year-old boy, who authorities have not named due to his juvenile status. As detailed by Fox 32 Chicago, Kammrad was arrested on May 17, while the juvenile suspect turned himself in the previous day. Both face charges for aggravated battery and mob action, though these might soon escalate if hate crime charges are instated. With her 13-year-old cousin, after his choir concert, the confrontation occurred as Grass entered a woman's bathroom and was later confronted by verbal harassment.
"The allegations involved here are deeply disturbing. My thoughts are with Kady Grass and her family, and I want her to know we will do everything within the law to hold those responsible accountable," Mosser emphasized in a statement obtained by CBS News Chicago. This echoes Kane County's self-portrayed image as a community that does not tolerate such discrimination and violence.
Grass recounted the harrowing incident, expressing in a CBS News Chicago interview, "I genuinely think that their plan was to kill me, and that they didn't care if they ended my life that day." Following the attack, which led to her losing consciousness, she couldn’t recall the attackers stomping on her head. As the State's Attorney's office works closely with the Carpentersville Police Department, they continue to look over all available evidence to determine the appropriate charges in pursuit of justice for the victim. The possibility of a hate crime allegation hangs in the air as the investigation progresses.
While the legal system sifts through evidence and testimony, Kady Grass's ordeal stands as a stark brutality has no place in society, particularly one as welcoming as Kane County professes to be, as highlighted by their active response to such crimes. The investigation into this disturbing attack at a local McDonald's remains ongoing.
