Satendar Singh - victim of hate crime, July 1, 2007, Sacramento, California 

Satendar Singh

 Remember Satendar button On July 1, 2007 Satendar Singh was with friends at Lake Natoma, east of Sacramento, California.  A group harassed him and his friends with anti-gay and racist remarks.  He was punched, slipped into a coma and died July 5, 2007.

Two men have been charged - one for involuntary manslaughter and hate crimes (he fled the country) and one for hate crimes (he is on trial).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.  Who was Satendar Singh and why is his death significant?

 

Satendar Singh was a native of Fiji.  At age 19 he immigrated to the USA and lived with relatives in the Sacramento, California area.  He worked at an AT&T call center.  He was well liked by both his co-workers and friends.

 

On Sunday afternoon July 1, 2007 he and 6 friends, reportedly 3 couples of Indian and Fijian descent, were partying at a California State park at Lake Natoma, east of Sacramento.  Trouble broke out between Singh's group and another group, reportedly Russian speaking and of Russian descent.  Verbal assaults were traded between the groups.  The Russian group allegedly made racist and homophobic comments to Singh's group and singled him out for homophobic comments.

 

About 8pm that evening as Singh's group was leaving, the men of the Russian group confronted Singh's group in the parking lot.  During the confrontation one man punched Satendar Singh in the face and Singh fell backward hitting his head.  Singh slipped into a coma never to regain consciousness. Four days later on July 5, 2007, family removed Satendar Singh from life support and he died.

 

A month later the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department charged 2 suspects.  One suspect was arrested for hate crimes.  The other suspect, charged with involuntary manslaughter and hate crimes, was not arrested as he had fled the country.

 

This case is important for Sacramento and the USA because it is a hate crime.  It points out that hate crime still exists and we must continue to work to eliminate it.  Keeping the case in the news allows us to educate people, press for reforms and promote anti hate crime legislation.  Sacramento, California has been touted as one of America's most diverse communities.  If it can happen here, it can and will happen anywhere.

 

This case has particularly galvanized the Sacramento gay and Asian communities.

 

2.  Why is his name spelled both Satendar and Satender?

 

His name appears in the news as both Satendar and Satender.  His family spells it both ways.

 

3.  Was Satendar Singh gay?

  

Initial newspaper reports stated Satendar Singh was not gay and later newspaper reports reported him as gay with his family and friends accepting him.

 

The important thing here is that he was perceived as gay and therefore harassed.

 

4.  Who is following this case?

 

The local gay and Asian communities are following this case closely.  An action group has formed called the Satendar Justice Coalition (see their email news reports below).  There is a yahoo group for disseminating information. 

 

5.  Where can I get more information?

 

Yahoo group "Satendar" - Satendar Justice Coalition  www.satendar.org  or  groups.yahoo.com/group/Satendar

 

Satendar Justice Coalition www.qcrew.com

   

This page you are currently viewing:  www.satendar.com  or  www.outsacramento.com/Satendar_Singh.htm

 

For information on court dates for suspect "Aleksandr Shevchenko" click https://services.saccourt.com/indexsearchnew/CaseNumberList.aspx?SearchValues=SHEVCHENKO,ALEKSANDR,,3656250 

Superior Court of California, Sacramento County www.saccourt.com

 

6.  How much publicity is the case getting?

 

This case got a lot of exposure on all the local television channels and in the local newspaper, the Sacramento Bee.  Significant objective reports aired or were published the week of the incident and when the one suspect was arrested and arraigned.

 

The Sacramento Bee has published editorials condemning the acts.

 

The case has hardly rippled outside the Sacramento area, with a few reports in San Francisco Bay Area media, national gay news web sites and world Indian and Southeast Asian web sites.

 

See Internet links below for all the media links.

 

7.  Why are the witnesses quiet?

 

Satendar Singh's group has remained mostly silent about the incident.  The Sacramento Sheriff has requested that they not comment so as to not jeopardize the case.  They may also fear retribution.

 

The families of the 2 suspects have spoken on television and talked to reporters.  They made some inflammatory and questionable statements after the arrest but now are silent.  Likely their defense lawyers asked them not to further comment.

 

There is at least one third party witness, a man that called 911 to report the afternoon confrontation. 

 

8.  Why were only 2 men arrested?

 

Reports say there were 6 in the group, men, women and children, taunting Singh's party during the afternoon, then the women and children left and more men arrived.  Only 2 men have been charged with crimes.  Some people wonder if there were more than two perpetrators at the scene or conspirators that shielded the suspects during the man hunt.

 

9.  What happened that day?

 

Hopefully the true story of that day will emerge in court. 

 

10.  Is there a link between this violence and the local Russian/Ukraine/Slavic religious communities?

 

The local Russian/Ukraine/Slavic religious communities have become very vocal against the gay community and gay equality.  They have sent protestors and pickets to gay events including Sacramento Gay Pride, Sacramento Rainbow Festival, Day of Silence at local high schools, local high school administrator's homes and the State Capitol when bills involving gay issues are being debated and voted on.  They have posted comments to local news stories denouncing gays.

 

Some people wonder if there is a link between the teachings of these churches and the violent anti-gay attack.

 

For a good background article on the Slavic evangelicals and gays in Sacramento, read this article in the LA Times:

www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-russgay13oct13,0,3388537,full.story?coll=la-home-headlines

 

11.  Photos

 

Satendar Singh  Satendar Singh

 

Remember Satendar button  A button worn my his supporters at the trials.

  

More photos are at www.satendar.org

 

 

 

If you would like to contribute to this FAQ and page, contact Mark mark@outsacramento.com

   

Vigil held July 6, 2007

WORLD PEACE MEMORIAL FOR OUR FRIEND SATENDAR SINGH

people gather at the rose garden

Friday July 6 at World Peace Memorial Rose Garden Capitol Park

A vigil was held July 6, 2007 at Capitol Park.  Friends, religious leaders, community leaders,  local politicians and the community gathered to remember Satendar Singh and talk of unity.  Video.

 

Quotes

 

  • "Here is what we pledge tonight as Sacramentans - we will not tolerate hate, hate speech or violence in any form against the gay and lesbian community or any community of Sacramento."  - Darrell Steinberg, California State Senator, July 6, 2007

 

  • "You have a right to express your opinion by the Constitution, but you do not have the right to threaten another person or take physical action that can bring harm to them." - Sheriff John McGinnes, August 7, 2007.

 

Death notice published July 12, 2007 in the Sacramento Bee

 

SINGH, Satender
(Simmon Nicolas Johal)
With profound sorrow, we announce the untimely and tragic passing away of our beloved, Satender Singh (7/21/1980-7/5/2007). Satender's ability to make everybody feel special was commendable. He accomplished this with his warm smile, humble nature and sincere affection. Seven years ago, he left his immediate relatives his native Fiji, in pursuit of the American dream, settling in Sacramento. Satender is survived by his father, Jaswant Singh; mother, Akesa Singh; elder brother, Shalender Singh; sister-in-law, nephew and a niece and a large extended family. In Sacramento, his grandmother, Chand K. Johal; cousin, Shalvin Johal; uncle, Camie Bhuie and aunt, Suvin K. Bhuie invite you to attend the memorial services to be held on Friday, July 13, 2007 at 4:00pm at Lombard & Company, 1550 Fulton Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825. His remains shall be flown to Fiji, where the last rites of the funeral shall be performed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to US BANK, Satender Singh Memorial Trust Fund, Account #153459001712.

 

Death notice published July 12, 2007 in the Sacramento Bee.
 

Sacramento County Sheriff reports

Suspect Arrested In Satendar Singh Case

 

Press Release 8/7/2007

 

http://sacsheriff.com/media/0807_arrest.cfm

On July 1, 2007, 25-year-old Satendar Singh was involved in an altercation at Lake Natoma State Park. On July 5, 2007, Satendar died as a result of the injuries he suffered from the altercation.

After an exhaustive investigation and interviews of numerous witnesses, Sacramento Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives were able to identify the involved parties. On August 6, 2007, Homicide Detectives arrested Sacramento resident Aleksandr SHEVCHENKO (22) for Penal Code 422.7- intimidating and interfering with victim’s rights.

There is an outstanding arrest warrant for West Sacramento resident Andrey VUSIK (29) for intimidating and interfering with victim’s rights and involuntary manslaughter-non vehicular. It is believed that VUSIK has left the United States.

SHEVCHENKO was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail and is being held on $25,000.00 bail. He is scheduled to appear on August 8 2007, in Department 61 at 1:30 p.m.

Sheriff’s detectives are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Andrey VUSIK to please call 874-5115.

Sergeant Tim Curran,
Sheriff's Spokesman

 

Sheriff’s Detectives Take Lead Role In Investigation

Press release 7/5/2007

http://www.sacsheriff.com/media/0703_leadrole.cfm

On July 1, 2007, shortly before 9:00 p.m. California State Park Rangers responded to a call for service at Lake Natoma State Park involving an altercation with injuries.

When the Rangers arrived at the scene, the victim, a 25-year old East Indian, male was being loaded into an ambulance to be transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

When they were notified the victim may not recover from his injuries (and because the incident occurred within the unincorporated area of Sacramento County) State Park Rangers contacted the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department seeking our assistance in the investigation.

As of 4:00 p.m. today, Sheriff’s Homicide detectives had taken over the case and assumed the lead role in the investigation.

Sheriff’s detectives believe the victim was injured during a physical altercation that resulted from a day-long verbal confrontation between groups of Russians and East Indians. The Russians were seen leaving the area in two vehicles: a dark green four-door sedan (no further description) and a Red Mitsubishi (no further description) with a red DMV number “7” sticker affixed to the rear window.

Sheriff’s detectives are urging anyone involved in, a witnessed to, or with information about, the altercation to please call 874-5115.

Update - July 5, 2007
On July 5, 2007, at 4:55 p.m. Satendar Singh died as a result of the injuries he suffered during a physical altercation at Lake Natoma State Park on July 1, 2007.

Sheriff’s Homicide investigators have interviewed several witnesses but have been unable to identify any members of the Russian group with which the verbal and physical altercations took place.

Investigators continue to urge anyone with information about this case to call the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00.

Sergeant Tim Curran,
Sheriff's Spokesman

 

Suspects

Wanted

Andrey Vusik, 29, outstanding warrant for intimidating and interfering with victim's rights and involuntary manslaughter.  It is believed he fled to Russia.

Arrested

Aleksandr Shevchenko, 22, arrested August 6, 2007 for intimidating and interfering with victim's rights.

 

Satendar Justice Coalition

Satendar Justice Coalition

 

 

Information emails

   

7-6-2007

 

JOIN US TONIGHT FOR A WORLD PEACE MEMORIAL FOR OUR FRIEND SATENDAR

The family and friends of Satendar are in our thoughts, if only we could all act with love and kindness... please join us tonight to bring our community together and to educate ourselves in order to prevent this sort of tragedy.
 

TONIGHT - FRIDAY, JULY 6 @ 8 PM
World Peace Memorial Rose Garden
Capitol Park (15th Street and Capitol Avenue)
 
Please Join Sacramento's diverse communities as we gather to show our solidarity and mourn the tragic death of Satendar Singh, the 26 year old man who was assaulted during a possible hate crime at Lake Natoma this past Sunday. Satendar was taken off life support late yesterday afternoon. While the actual details of the case have not been officially released, witnesses are reporting that Satendar was targeted for violence because of his perceived race and sexual orientation.
 
This gathering will be an opportunity to hear from community leaders about the plan to make sure this case is fully investigated and how to prevent these types of incidents from happening again to people in our communities.
 
The family of Satendar will hold a memorial service in the near future and request you show your support there as well.
 
 
This event is being coordinated by (partial list):
 
State Senator Darrell Steinberg, Co-Chair, Capital Unity Council
 
Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR (Council on American Islamic Relations)
 
Jerry Chong, Chief Legal Council to CAPITAL
 
Wendy Rae Hill, President, Sacramento Chapter of National Organization of Women
 
Ed Bennett, President, Sacramento Stonewall Democrats
 
Dr. David Thompson, Chair, Interfaith Service Bureau
 
Pam Whitely, President, PFLAG
 
Please note: The California Highway Patrol prohibits candles in the park...it is against the law, but flashlights, light sticks, etc are ok.

 

 

7-18-2007

 

Tina and Jade of Uptown Studios are members of the Satendar Justice Coalition. We want to make sure you know that there is a wonderful, diverse group of involved and active leaders that are working to create change in a quick and efficient manner within our city.

 

The Satendar Justice Coalition consists of: CAPTIAL, CAPITAL Foundation, Interfair Service Bureau, Council of AMerican-Islamic Relations, Japanese AMerican Citizens League (JACL), Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center, SIkh American Legal Denense & Education Fund, Sacramento CIvil RIghts Network, CAP PAC, Stonewall Democratic Club, ACCT, Jewish Community Relations COuncil, Capital Unity Council, Organization of Chinese Americans, Justice Reform Coatition, Slavic Assistance Center, Being Gay Today, Chicano Consortium - and Uptown Studios.

 

I want to share with all interested parties that we are ACTIVELY pursuing resolve and resolution to the recent killing in Sacramento of Satendar Singh, and this group is HIGHLY motivated to remove hate crimes from our communities.

 

- We are involved with a fundraising effort that has helped return Satendar's body to his homeland of Fiji.

- We have scheduled meetings with the Sheriff McGinnis of Sacramento County and his staff to discuss the case, issues and to affirm is dedication to eliminating this type of hate crime in our cities. The representatives meeting with the Sheriff will bring forward many issues and call our Sheriff to task on responding to these issues with our group. (we will keep you informed)

- Senator Darryl Steinberg is preparing an op-ed article to run in the local papers addressing these issues.

- We are attempting to schedule a meeting with District Attorney Jan Scully

- We continue to develop plans of action to assure our greater community receives the attention that we need to eliminate hate crimes against any of our citizens.

 

Uptown Studios will continue to update you on the work that we are doing to make strides against hate against anyone in our community.

 

-- Tina Reynolds and Jade Baranski

 

 

7-20-2007

 

SATENDAR JUSTICE COALITION REPORT OF ACTION:

 

Representatives from the Satendar Justice Coalition met with Sheriff John McGinness on Tuesday, July 17 regarding the Satendar Singh alleged Hate Crime murder investigation. As a reminder, the Coalition was created in the wake of Satendar’s death, and consists of people representing the LGBT, African American, Muslim, Sikh, Faith leaders, and API leaders, among others. The group walked away from the meeting with renewed confidence that the Sherriff was treating this investigation with the importance that it deserves.

 

Sheriff McGinness assured the group that his department was aggressively investigating the crime. They are placing a great deal of emphasis, from various resources in the sheriff's department, on the case. We felt that Sheriff McGinness understood the importance of this investigation to the LGBT community. We voiced our concerns and our fears and felt that he was sympathetic to our needs and that he will do all in his power to ensure a positive outcome in this case. In addition, we are encouraged by his understanding and acknowledgement of the escalating volatility of anti-gay protests by members of the Slavic fundamentalist community. Sheriff McGinness expressed his willingness to meet with the Slavic fundamentalist ministers and other leaders from that community to dissuade them from continuing to engage in the kind of rhetoric that incites people to overstep the bounds of civility and decency as they participate in their newly acquired freedom of expression.

 

It is vital, at this time, that we avoid any action, such as protesting or retaliating against the perceived perpetrators, that could hinder the investigation. Crimes where a Hate Crime statute may be invoked are very fragile and actions from the community at large can prove detrimental. The various LGBT leaders are asking for your patience while the investigation continues. We don't want to threaten the support we are getting from the larger community by acting out of anger. We are working to ensure that justice is served and we are working to ensure that the LGBT community, or any minority community, in Sacramento, will never face this kind of hatred and violence again. Sheriff McGinness has pledged his support in our efforts. The next step is a meeting with District Attorney Jan Scully, on Monday, July 23rd, where we will voice the concerns of our communities at large.

 

Investigators continue to urge anyone with information about this case to call the Sheriff’s Department at (916) 874-5115 or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP. Callers can remain anonymous.

 

This report received from the Uptown Studios Community Update 7-20-07 email list.  www.qcrew.org

 

 

8-6-2007

 

Update on Satendar Singh - Reward to be announced

 

We are planning on having a press conference on Wednesday, August 8th, at 11:00 am, to announce our reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the attack on Satendar Singh. In addition to the three Satendar Justice Coalition speakers, Mayor Heather Fargo will be in attendance and will speak on the issue also. We would like to have as many coalition members there as possible to show solidarity for our cause.

 

The press conference will be held at the Gay & Lesbian Center, located at

 

1927 L Street

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 442-0185.

 

We will be sending out a Press Statement prior to the event for you to distribute to any press contacts that you may have.

If you have any questions regarding the reward fund or the press conference, feel free to call or email me.

Thanks, as always, for your responsiveness and spirit!

 

Ed. Bennett

President

Sacramento Stonewall Democrats

 

 

8-7-2007

  

AN ARREST HAS BEEN MADE:

 

The sheriff will hold a press conference this afternoon, 8/7, at 4:30 p.m.

at the sheriff's office at 711 G street to announce that an arrest has been made. So please try your best to attend so we can have a strong showing of support from the community.

 

I will be there.

-- Tina Reynolds

 

 

8-8-2007

 

Satendar Justice Coalition Report:

 

Charges have been filed related to the death of Satendar Singh, following an assault on July 1 at Lake Natoma Park. Andrey Vusik, age 29, is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Singh, and with committing a hate crime. Andrey Vusik has fled the U.S. and is currently in Russia, where he is being sought on those charges.

 

The other suspect in the case is Aleksandr Shevchenko, 21, of Sacramento, who surrendered voluntarily at his home Monday. He is charged with intimidation and interfering with a victim's rights -- another hate crime.

 

Shevchenko is scheduled to appear in court today.

 

The initial Bee story can be found here:  http://uptown.c.topica.com/maahnnmabAstkbJbP1Ab/

 

Through the generous support of our various and diverse communities, the Satendar Justice Coalition was able to raise $10,000 in pledges for Satendar's Reward Fund and I thank you all for your generous pledges. That fund was not needed in the end, but to know that we could pull that together, so quickly, is extremely comforting.

 

 

8-31-2007

HATE CRIME UPDATES:

We attended a workshop at the City Police headquarters for "How to Report Hate Crimes", and what to look for, how to detail information, etc. We will be working on a document that we will share with our community through our newspapers, online and other access points, the information that each of us should know.

The LGBTQI leaders are meeting to discuss creating a Hate Free Zone within our city.

 

9-26-2007

 

HATE CRIME UPDATES:

 

Remembering Satender

 

Hate Crime Victim Supporters Pack Courthouse September 26th By Andy Noguchi, Florin JACL Civil Rights Co-Chair With justice foremost in mind, two dozen diverse supporters of fallen Asian American Satender Singh, all wearing "Remember Satender" buttons, packed the Sacramento Superior Courthouse at a preliminary hearing September 26th. As lawyers for other cases scrambled for standing-room-only space, people recognized the visible community concern about this hate attack.

 

The brief hearing took only fleeting minutes, the public defender for the suspect, Aleksandr Shevchenko, asking for additional time to review "1,000 pages" of discovery evidence. The next hearing is currently set for Wednesday, October 17th 3 pm in Department #62, an 82 seat courtroom, at 651 I. Street (7th & I Streets) in downtown Sacramento.

 

The other fugitive suspect in the hate killing of Satender Singh following anti-Asian and anti-gay slurs, is Andrey Vusik. He is in Russia on "business" according to family members. People commonly believe Vusik’s "business" is keeping his rear end out of jail and hiding from justice.

 

Supporters of Satender from the Hmong, Gay/Lesbian, Pacific Islander, Muslim, Chinese, Japanese American, and other communities knew the importance of a strong visible presence in court. They were experiencing first-hand the workings of the legal system and how to start holding it accountable.

 

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time or the last time that the community will have to demand justice. Even as supporters talked among themselves, a Hmong representative shared how three Hmong had been attacked and beaten in Chico by bigots last year.

 

Satender supporters can learn from today’s welcome news about the success in the Jenna 6 case out of Louisiana. After people mobilized broad public awareness about the racist double standard in the legal system and 20,000 supporters a week ago, the prosecutor of the Jenna 6 has backed down. He will not appeal to have one of the 6 retried as an adult and was forced to grant the youth bail pending juvenile court proceedings.

 

Those who want the issue of hate crimes to "go away" and for the perpetrators to get off with a slap on the wrist want this trial to go unnoticed by the community. If we want to see justice served, we can’t allow that to happen.

Appreciation goes to Nate Feldman and Jerry Sloan who generously produced the "Remember Satender" buttons featuring Satender’s picture. Strong outreach by Tom Bhe, the Stonewall Democratic Club, and the Florin JACL got the message out. The two dozen supporters who took time out of their busy days showed the type of dedication needed during this trial.

The Satender Justice Coalition, to which the many supporting groups belong, has been organizing community support over the last few months. Background information on Satender’s case can be found at: www.satender.com <http://www.satender.com/> As the next hearing date on October 17th approaches, we will send out an update, especially if there is a change in time, date, or place.

 

 

Oct. 17, 2007

 

Hate Crimes Information and Reporting
TOWNHALL MEETING for the LGBTQ Community
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Curtis Hall at the Sierra 2 Center -
2791 24th Street - Sacramento, California 95818
6-8 PM Open to the public.
Members, family and friends of the LGBTQ community are invited to
attend a presentation on Hate Crimes. Topics to be covered will be:
What is a Hate Crime under California Law?; What are your rights?;
How to report a Hate Crime or harassment; What to do to protect
yourself and others; and related topics.

We will also update the community on what is happening locally to
create an awareness of the issues in Sacramento.
We will have a panel of experts to for questions about local issues
on the LGBTQ community.
For more information contact Paul Curtis <PaCurtis@aol.com> or Tina
Reynolds tina@uptownstudios.net

We are looking for donations of snacks, greeters, set up and clean
up, contact tina@uptownstudios.net if you can help.

 

Nov. 17, 2007

 

Hate Crimes Information and Reporting TOWNHALL MEETING for the LGBTQ Community

Thursday, November 15, 2007 Curtis Hall at the Sierra 2 Center -

2791 24th Street - Sacramento, California 95818

6-8 PM Open to the public.

 

Members, family and friends of the LGBTQ community are invited to attend a presentation on Hate Crimes. Topics to be covered will be: What is a Hate Crime under California Law?; What are your rights?; How to report a Hate Crime or harassment; What to do to protect yourself and others; and related topics.

We will also update the community on what is happening locally to create an awareness of the issues in Sacramento.

We will have a panel of experts to for questions about local issues on the LGBTQ community.

 

For more information contact Paul Curtis <PaCurtis@aol.com> or Tina Reynolds tina@uptownstudios.net

We are looking for donations of snacks, greeters, set up and clean up, contact tina@uptownstudios.net if you can help.

 

Organization of Chinese Americans OCA Sacramento - Hate Crime Awareness and Prevention Forum WED DEC 5, 2007 Reception 5:30pm to 6:30pm Forum 6:30pm to 8:30pm Sacramento City Police Community Room 5770 Freeport, Sacramento, CA For More Information, Please contact:

Linda Ng 916.996.3770 Tom Bhe 916.355.4159 Lngjmh@sbcglobal.net www.ocasacramento.org

Hate Crimes Awareness

and Prevention Forum

A Community United: Responding to the Message of Hate Free and Open to Public Reception • Panel Discussion • Question & Answer Session Alice Wong Attorney at Law Moderator Panelists Attorney at Law Basim Elkarra Executive Director of Council on American-Islamic Relations

(CAIR) Sacramento Chapter

Sacramento City Deputy Chief of Police

Ed Bennet President of the Stonewall Democratic Club Jerry Chong Brian Louie Georgette Imura Chair Satandar Justice Coalition

Reporting Hate Crimes

Reporting Hate Crimes

 

courtesy of the Satendar Justice Coalition

 

 

CRIMES IN CITY OF SACRAMENTO


Sacramento Police Department
Emergencies 911 or 732-0100
TTD for Hearing Impaired 911 or 732-0110
Bias & Hate Crime Hotline 916. 808-2427
Reports Filing by Telephone 916. 264-5868
Reports Filing TTD 916. 808-0639
Non-Emergency Response 916. 264-5471
 

 
CRIMES IN COUNTY OF SACRAMENTO

 
Sacramento County Sheriff
Hate Crime Reporting 916.875.8811
E-mail Bias Crimes Unit ryen@sacsheriff.com
Emergencies 911
Sheriff's Non-Emergency 916. 874-5115
 

 
Please take the time to report hate "incidents," such as drive-by
name calling, throwing of objects, spitting or other inappropriate
behaviors that are committed against you or others. Gather information
such as what the person(s) looked like, what type of vehicle, date
and time, what was said or done that is the suspected behavior.
Bias & Hate Crime Hotline 916. 808-2427
TAKE THE TIME TO COMPLETE THE ONLINE FORM:
www.sacpd.org/crime_reports/start-report.asp

   

   

Internet links

Gays fear an influx of hate, published at latimes.com 3-16-2008 is an excellent history of this case.

 

Christian extremism raises alarm

A trial resumes today for a Slavic man charged with killing a gay man in Sacramento, Calif.

in the on line version of the Christian Science Monitor Jan. 4, 2008 www.csmonitor.com/2008/0104/p03s01-ussc.html?page=1

 

 

Lawyers in Singh hate-crime case pull out at sacbee.com (free, registration required) Dec. 19, 2007 www.sacbee.com/102/story/579167.htm

 

Slav on trial over death of Fiji man at fijitimes.com Dec 18, 2007

www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=76800

 

Hate-crime suspect is ordered to trial at sacbee.com (free, registration required)Dec. 12, 2007 www.sacbee.com/101/story/564053.html

 

Tape Released Of Lake Party Moments Before Brawl at cbs13.com Dec. 11, 2007 including the home video tape taken before the crime.  cbs13.com/local/

lake.natomas.brawl.2.608909.html

  

Shevchenko Appears In Preliminary Hearing from kcra tv Dec 12, 2007, posted at youtube.com www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsvbn5UTUU8

 

Court hears accounts of fatal clash at Lake Natoma at sacbee.com (free registration required) Dec. 12, 2007  www.sacbee.com/101/story/560939.html

 

Hearing recesses in suspected hate-crime case  at sacbee.com (free registration required)  Dec. 11, 2007  www.sacbee.com/102/story/557632.html

 

 

Hate crime hearing postponed again

at sacbee.com November 27, 2007

www.sacbee.com/101/story/525380.html

 

 

Assembly to look at killing

Panel will probe lessons of capital incident that took the life of gay man.

November 15, 2007 at SacBee.com  (free subscription required)

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/493067.html

 

 

Suspect In Lake Natoma Beating Returns To Court, with video, at cbs13.com, Oct 17, 2007

http://cbs13.com/local/local_story_290211144.html  

 

   

Suspect In Beating Death Appears In Court, with video, at kcra.com Oct 17, 2007

http://www.kcra.com/news/14364993/detail.html

 

 

Man in hate-crime case appears in court, sacbee.com, Oct. 18, 2007

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/438836.html

  

  

Community rights groups pack hate-crime hearing at sacbee.com Oct 17, 2007

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/437439.html (first run)

 

Suspect pleads not guilty in alleged hate-crime killing

at sacbee.com, August 23, 2007

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/340283.html

 

 

Suspect in Lake Natoma attack pleads not guilty

at sacbee.com August 22, 2007

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/338842.html

 

 

Asian community alarmed by assault at Lake Tahoe

Couple's alleged attack on Indian man is compared to fatal incident at Lake Natoma earlier this summer.

at sacbee.com August 22, 2007

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/338310.html

 

 

Alleged Hate Crime Suspect Pleads Not Guilty

at news10.net August 22, 2007

http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=31903

 

 

Marcos Bretón: Fatal attack leaves much unanswered

August 15, 2007 at SacBee.com

http://www.sacbee.com/breton/story/325834.html

 

Lead suspect in alleged hate crime still missing

at sacbee.com August 14, 2007

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/323939.html

at sacbee.com August 13, 2007

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/323534.html

 

   

CBS13.com: Singh Murder Case Interview, date unknown, cbs13.com video posted at youtube.com, interviews with the family of Aleksandr Shevchenko.  http://youtube.com/watch?v=kDt3vrPHPF0

 

 

Stories Clash in Hate Crime Death

at news10.net August 9, 2007

http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=31393

 

 

FBI aids suspect hunt

Second man in Singh beating goes to court, posts bail

at sacbee.com August 9, 2007 http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/316457.html

 

 

Elizabeth Edwards crticizes Gay/Indian Bashing in Sacramento

  Pravin cuts loose on the issues

at www.mydd.com August 8, 2007

http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/8/8/1525/87012

 

 

One arrested, one sought in death of Fijian immigrant

at sfgate.com Wednesday, August 8, 2007

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/08/08/state/n115102D35.DTL

 

 

Suspect's Sister: Death "Not a Hate Crime"

at news10.net August 8, 2007,

http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=31328&GID=STRN9vngvjQlLgD+zQR9qqEkerNHTmftxLhbkVX1t2w%3D

 

 

Suspect In Lake Natoma Beating Case In Court Today

at cbs13.com August 8, 2007  http://cbs13.com/local/local_story_219185444.html

  

 

Prime suspect in hate crime is outside U.S.

Second man is held in death of reported target of anti-gay slurs. 

at SacBee.com, August 8, 2007  http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/314370-p2.html

 

 

8/7 - Attacker Arrested

at fox40.com, August 7, 2007, http://fox40.trb.com/

Satendar Singh on the day he was attacked.  This chilling picture is from video made by witnesses and given to authorities and posted on www.fox40.com (search video for news report "8/7 - Attacker Arrested").

 

 

Suspect in Possible Hate Crime Death Named

at news10.net August 7, 2007, http://www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=31276

 

 

Arrest Made Following Lake Natoma Beating Death

Two Suspects Charged With Committing Hate Crime

at kcra.com August 7, 2007 http://www.kcra.com/news/13842958/detail.html

 

 

Suspect identified in Singh beating death 

SacBee.com   August 7, 2007

A month after the death of Satender Singh on a river beach at Lake Natoma, Sacramento County Sheriff's detectives have identified the man, 29 year old Andrey Vusik, who allegedly threw the lethal punch and then fled the country, officials confirmed Tuesday.

 

 

Arrest Coming in Possible Hate Crime Death

news10.net   August 7, 2007

   

 

Arrest Made Following Lake Natoma Beating Death  kcra.com August 7, 2007

 

 

Marcos Bretón: Evading law isn't Christian at sacbee.com (free subscription required) August 1, 2007 http://www.sacbee.com/breton/story/302389.html

 

 

Immigrants Clash in Sacramento

Audio at NPR radio KQED, San Francisco/Sacramento, July 27, 2007 · The beating death of a Fijian immigrant, Satender Singh, earlier this month in Sacramento has revealed a deep clash of cultures in the city. Singh was beaten by a Russian immigrant who's a member of a Slavic evangelical community that's become a vocal force against gay rights in California. Tamara Keith from member station KQED reports.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12301471

 

http://www.npr.org/templates/dmg/popup.php?id=12301472&type=1&date=27-Jul-2007&au=1&pid=22314706&random=1565150421&guid=

000BC2A519A306AE4404F22261626364&uaType=

WM,RM&aaType=RM,WM&upf=Win32&topicName=News&subtopicName=

Nation&prgCode=DAY&hubId=-1&thingId=12301471&ssid=&tableModifier=&mtype=WM

  

 

Sacramento Youth, Satendar Singh, Remembered at Memorial

Outword Magazine    www.outwordmagazine.com    Issue 339 June 28, 2007 

 

 

Mom Guess What Newspaper, print edition, July 19, 2007.  www.mgwnews.com

   

 

 

Local media links:

 

 

 

Great news video at fox40.com July 21, 2007, note you have to look for the video on the list "7/21 - Sacramento Diversity Summit"  http://fox40.trb.com/

 

Sunday July 22, 2007, the SacBee.com (free subscription required) publishes 3 prominent stories:

 

Hate assailed at summit

Slavic bishop blasts prejudice in wake of Singh killing

http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/285714.html

 

Tragedy of hate crime, murder rallies community

By Darrell Steinberg - Special to The Bee

http://www.sacbee.com/110/story/283945.html

 

Marcos Bretón: Community has stake in finding killer

http://www.sacbee.com/breton/story/285405.html

 

- - - - -

 

CAPITAL,  Council of Asian Pacific Islanders Together for Advocacy and Leadership, met Saturday July 21, 2007 to discuss hate crime and the Satendar Singh crime.  Although it made the News 10 tv news, there is not a story on their site.   http://www.sactocapital.org/

 

Memorial Held For Victim Of Possible Triple Hate Crime at gaysonoma.com 12 Jul 2007

http://www.gaysonoma.com/displaynews.php?subaction=showfull&id=1184290905&archive=&start_from=&ucat=8&

 

Editorial: A time to help calm waters, not to fan flames

Explosive charges, inflammatory rhetoric increase tensions between Slavs and gays

at SacBee.com July 21.2007 http://www.sacbee.com/110/story/284021.html

 

Death sparks call to unity

After Lake Natoma assault, diversity summit is set today.

 at SacBee.com July 21, 2007 http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/284591.html

 

911 Call May Have Saved Beaten Man's Life July 19, 2007 at cbs13.com http://cbs13.com/local/local_story_200080509.html

 

911 call preceded death

Witness was alarmed hours before scuffle at Lake Natoma on July 1 that ended in death of man, 26.

at Sacbee.com July 18, 2007  http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/278352.html

 

911 call failed to stop attack that killed man
at kseq.com Palm Springs July 18, 2007  http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=6807408&nav=9qrx

 

Race for '08: Edwards' wife says local homicide illustrates danger of hate speech
The Sacramento Bee Sun, 15 Jul 2007 0:18 AM PDT
Elizabeth Edwards said Saturday she is troubled by the suspected anti-gay beating death of a Sacramento man, and said the killing of Satender Singh demands renewed condemnations of hate speech in America.

 

Edwards Decries Sacramento Man's Beating Death at fox40.com July 14, 2007 http://fox40.trb.com/news/ktxl-071407edwards,0,4553810.story?coll=ktxl-home-1

 

Elizabeth Edwards Decries Death Of Sacrameto Man at cbs13.com July 14, 2007 http://cbs13.com/topstories/local_story_195201342.html

 

Yellow journalism at the Bee?
By CoolDMZ
I'm wondering what other people think about the Bee's stirring article yesterday on "wounds that have festered for some time between Sacramento's gay community and members of the Slavic evangelical community," brought to clearer light ...

 
The Sac Rag - http://sacrag.com

Edwards Decries Sacramento Man's Beating Death
FOX 40 Sacramento Sat, 14 Jul 2007 4:47 PM PDT
SACRAMENTO — Elizabeth Edwards reiterated her support for gay marriage in a speech Saturday, saying the idea that it threatens heterosexual marriage is "complete nonsense."

   

Outword Magazine  www.outwordnewsmagazine.com July 12 issue, download as pdf http://outwordmagazine.com/main/downloads/340_7-12-07_web.pdf

  

Death by Gay Bashing in Sacramento  at sacramentofordemocracy.org July 11, 2007, http://sacramentofordemocracy.org/?q=node/view/7621

 

Man dies after assault at Lake Natoma park at folsomtelegraph.com July 10, 2007

http://folsomtelegraph.com/articles/2007/07/11/news/top_stories/04natoma.txt

 

Loved Ones Remember Man Beaten At Lake Natoma at cbs13.com July 6, 2007. 

cbs13.com/topstories/

local_story_186232137.html

  

The vigil was video taped by Nate Feldman and posted at Google video

video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-10598370163019630&pr=goog-sl

 

Man injured in attack at lake dies

Investigators seek details in assault, including reports of possible hate crime.  SacBee (free subscription required) July 6, 2007

www.sacbee.com/101/story/259354.html

 

Possible Hate Crime Victim Dies

News10.net July 5, 2007.

www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=29973

 

Lake Natoma Beating Victim Dies From Injuries

KCRA.com July 5, 2007.

www.kcra.com/news/13618318/detail.html#  

 

Lake Natoma Beating Investigated As Possible Hate Crime

Man was at Lake Natoma with friends when they were harassed by "Russian" men, called racist and homophobic names, beaten near death
From Channel 3 News, Tuesday, July 3. Satendar Singh, 26, is in a coma with internal bleeding and severe brain damage after he was critically  injured at Lake Natoma Sunday night. The case is being investigated as a hate crime by the Sacramento County Sherrif's Department.
www.kcra.com/video/13618364/index.html
  

Man Clings To Life After Brutal Beating at cbs13.com July 4, 2007 cbs13.com/topstories/

local_story_185070806.html

  

Attack leaves man dying

Deputies cite reports by witnesses that racism, homophobia fueled lake melee.  SacBee.com (free subscription required) July 4, 2007.

www.sacbee.com/101/story/256068.html

 

Attack Investigated as Possible Hate Crime news10.net July 4, 2007

www.news10.net/display_story.aspx?storyid=29876

 

http://www.myspace.com/satendar

 

   

 

Commentary:

 

 

 

MGW: Matthew’s August 8 Newspaper Column

Aug 9th, 2007 at blog spankingbeaarthur.wordpress.com

http://spankingbeaarthur.wordpress.com/2007/08/09/mgw-matthews-august-8-newspaper-column/

Podcast:  SBA44: Finger Banging Carnie Wilson Is A Hate Crime at rainbowpodsquad.wordpress.com SpankingBeArthur.com July 20, 2007  rainbowpodsquad.wordpress.com/2007/07/20/sba44-finger-banging-carnie-wilson-is-a-hate-crime/

   

Billo's Lunacy at d-day.blogspot.com July 17, 2007  http://d-day.blogspot.com/2007/07/billos-lunacy.html

 

From the Editor: Hatred leads to death

at RespectSacramento.com July 9, 2007

respectsacramento.org/070709enews.html

 

Sacramento Stonewall Democrats release a letter to the community regarding the Satendar Singh incident urging patience while the facts are learned but prosecution to the full extent of the law of the perpetrators.  Read the letter here.

 

MURDER AND HATE CRIME IN SACRAMENTO CALIFORNIA

at natefeldman.com

blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=76877558

&blogID=283934955

  

 

 

 

Background:

 

 

For a good background article on the Slavic evangelicals and gays in Sacramento, read this article in the LA Times:

For Gays, a Loud New Foe

Sacramento's large enclave of immigrant Slavic evangelicals is becoming a force on social issues. Their actions shock many.

www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-russgay13oct13,0,3388537,full.story?coll=la-home-headlines

 

 

The Latvian Connection
West Coast Anti-Gay Movement on the March
at the Southern Poverty Law Center web site splcenter.org, date unknown,

http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=809

 

 

Links from outside the Sacramento area: 

 

 

“We will not settle for tolerance alone”

Killing of a homosexual man becomes an organizing tool for those pushing hate-crimes legislation.

at California Catholic Daily August 21, 2007

http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=7a0bf643-436a-4f61-bb12-1f248b4564d7

 

 

Stories Clash in Hate Crime Death

at topix.com, continuing discussions

http://www.topix.com/forum/news/gay/THKND87N1IA3QOOEV
  

 

Sacramento authorities charge two men in killing of Satender Singh

JewsOnFirst.org, August 8, 2007
http://www.jewsonfirst.org/07c/sacto_murder_update.html

   

FBI pursue killer of Fiji man
fijilive.com (subscription) - Fiji
Authorities in Sacramento have arrested a man in connection with the July 1st hate-related death of Fiji born Satender Singh, while the man they say threw ...  http://www.fijilive.com/news/show/news/2007/08/10/fijilive5.html

Arrest of Homicide Suspect, FBI Pursues Another
GenerationQ - Sydney,NSW,Australia
While one suspect in the hate crime homicide of Satender Singh has been apprehended, one is suspected to have fled to Eastern Europe. by Luke Miller on ...  http://www.generationq.net/articles/Arrest-of-Homicide-Suspect-FBI-Pursues-Another-00001.html

 

Arrest made in Sacramento beating death

published Thursday, August 9, 2007  at gay.com

 http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2007/08/09/4

One of Two Suspects Caught in Hate Crime Killing of Satendar Singh
Towleroad - New York City,NY,USA
Shevchenko and the other suspect, 29-year-old Andrey Vusik of West Sacramento, reportedly attacked Singh, 25, while he was picnicking with friends over the ...  http://www.towleroad.com/2007/08/one-of-two-susp.html

Hate Crime Murder Suspect Arrested, Sign of Local Tensions
GenerationQ - Sydney,NSW,Australia
... 26-year-old Fijian-Indian immigrant Satendar Singh was with friends at Lake Natoma in California's capital city of Sacramento when a group described as ...  http://www.generationq.net/articles/Hate-Crime-Murder-Suspect-Arrested-Sign-of-Local-Tensions-00001.html
 

Russian Pentecostals hunt gays in US - daily at www.interfax-religion.com July 31, 2007 http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=3413

 

Billo's Lunacy at d-day.blogspot.com July 17, 2007  http://d-day.blogspot.com/2007/07/billos-lunacy.html

 

Laramie Redux? at sepiamunity.com July 17, 2007

http://www.sepiamutiny.com/sepia/archives/004580.html

 

Young Fiji Indian Killed in Alleged Hate Crime Incident at indiawest.com July 12, 2007  indiawest.com/view.php?subaction=showfull&id=1184265905&archive=&start_from=&ucat=11

CRIME: Satendar Singh, Hate Crime Victim, Dies in California
By Sree Sreenivasan
In death, he has emerged as a symbol of wounds that have festered for some time between Sacramento's gay community and members of the Slavic evangelical community, a thousands-strong group that has become a vocal force denouncing gay ...
http://www.sajaforum.org/2007/07/crime-satendar-.html#more

Another Hate Crime Beating
By XicanoPwr
The Sacramento Bee initially reported that his friends told reporters that he was not gay, however, as the story unfolded, family members told Nathan Feldman of Sacramento's "Being Gay Today" cable-access show, that "they knew of ...
http://www.neverinournames.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1747

 

Elizabeth Edwards Decries Beating Death of Sacramento Man at biggaynews.com July 16,2007

http://biggaynews.com/?p=611#comment-2280

 

Elizabeth Edwards Calls For Tougher Hate Crime Laws
During her speech to the gay rights group, the Associated Press reports that Edwards cited the story of 26-year-old Satendar Singh--who died recently after being beaten to death at Sacramento's Lake Natomas by men hurling explicit gay ...

Dodd Criticizes Edwards, Clinton
Guardian Unlimited - UK
The death of Satendar Singh, 26, has galvanized Sacramento's gay community and others who see it as an outgrowth of anti-gay rhetoric coming from local ...
  

Sikh American with Fiji links dies after xenophobic attack
World Sikh News - San Jose,CA,USA
The promising life of this young Indo-Fijian has been cut short by a senseless and mindless act of violence, and we condole the death of Satendar Singh," ...
 

Elizabeth Edwards decries beating death of Sacramento man
San Jose Mercury News - CA, USA
Citing the story of a Sacramento man who died after witnesses said he was beaten to death by men who thought he was gay, Edwards slammed President Bush for ...

 

Dodd Rips Clinton, Edwards for Remarks
Forbes - NY,USA
The death of Satendar Singh, 26, has galvanized Sacramento's gay community and others who see it as an outgrowth of anti-gay rhetoric coming from local ... 

 

Elizabeth Edwards decries beating death of Sacramento man at sfgate.com July 14, 2007 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/07/14/state/n162444D38.DTL&hw=satendar&sn=001&sc=1000

 

Elizabeth Edwards reiterates support for gay marriage
WNCT Greenville Sat, 14 Jul 2007 11:18 PM PDT
(AP) - Elizabeth Edwards says the idea that gay marriage threatens heterosexual marriage is "complete nonsense." Edwards reiterated her support during a speech in Sacramento, saying she thinks there's an "undue fear of gay marriage."
 
Elizabeth Edwards decries beating death of Sacramento man
The San Francisco Examiner Sat, 14 Jul 2007 9:54 PM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO ( Map , News ) - Elizabeth Edwards told a prominent gay rights group Saturday night that her husband, presidential candidate John Edwards, would help repeal more than a thousand laws that discriminate against same-sex couples.

 

Elizabeth Edwards decries beating death of Sacramento man
KESQ Palm Springs Sat, 14 Jul 2007 4:59 PM PDT
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Elizabeth Edwards is reiterating her support for gay marriage during a visit to California this weekend. Edwards was scheduled to address a prominent gay rights group in San Francisco tonight.

 

Elizabeth Edwards decries beating death of Sacramento man
KSBY San Luis Obispo Sat, 14 Jul 2007 5:01 PM PDT
Associated Press - July 14, 2007 7:44 PM ET SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Elizabeth Edwards is reiterating her support for gay marriage during a visit to California this weekend.

 

HAF Expresses Concern Over Alleged Hate Attack, Condoles Death of Satendar Singh, at hinduamericanfoundation.org  July 9, 2007, http://www.hinduamericanfoundation.org/media_press_release_sacramento_fijian.htm