Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck today announced the indictment of a man charged with attempted murder and bias intimidation for allegedly beating and choking a man he suspected of being gay in North Hudson Park in North Bergen, on the night of June 21.
According to Acting Attorney General Bruck, The Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Specialized Crimes Bureau yesterday obtained a state grand jury indictment charging José Tobias Carranza Serrano, 18, of Baltimore, Md., aka “Kevin Lopez,” with the following offenses:
- Attempted Homicide (1st Degree)
- Bias Intimidation (1st Degree)
- Robbery (1st Degree)
- Aggravated Assault (2nd Degree)
Carranza Serrano allegedly attacked the victim after 11 p.m. on June 21, near the south end of the lake in North Hudson Park.
The investigation revealed that the victim was a stranger whom Carranza Serrano had just met.
According to the investigation, Carranza Serrano allegedly wanted to kill the victim because he suspected the victim was gay.
Carranza Serrano allegedly punched and kicked the victim in the face, causing bone fractures and knocking out several teeth. He also allegedly attempted to strangle the victim.
The investigation found that Carranza Serrano allegedly took a phone and $8 from the victim. The victim was found unconscious near the path around the lake by a passerby shortly before 5 a.m. on June 22.
“We will not tolerate violence targeting the LGBTQ+ community,” Acting Attorney General Bruck said.
“There is simply no excuse for this type of hate, and we will ensure that those who engage in violence are held fully accountable for their actions.”