Prosecutors Say Shooting ‘Racially Motivated’

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By Kyle Midura

Story Published: Feb 5, 2010 at 7:45 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2010 at 12:42 AM MDT

BILLINGS - Prosecutors are now calling a July shooting "racially motivated", which paves the way for stiffer penalties.

Seventeen-year-old Allen Goff is accused of shooting a Hispanic teen in the leg and is charged with assault with a weapon and carrying a concealed weapon.

Prosecuting attorneys filed new documents in court accusing Goff of committing the alleged assault because of the victim's race. If convicted, Goff faces 20 years in prison and another 10 if race is shown to be a motivating factor.

Since the shooting, advocacy groups have been outspoken about their concerns over a potential hate crime. Prosecutors said they waited to include the race issue until they were certain Goff would be charged as an adult.

The trial has been postponed and will likely be rescheduled for early April.

Monday, Feb 15 at 9:53 PM I know!!! wrote ...

Allen Goff might have wormed his way into a White Supremacist Gang, but he is of mixed race origins. Part Hispanic and part Amerindian. The shooter and the wounded victim were formerly best friends until one wanted to join an Hispanic gang and the other wanted to join a White gang. Now you know the truth!!!

Wednesday, Feb 10 at 5:47 PM The Guy shouldnt rot in prison! wrote ...

20 to 30 YEARS!? Are you kidding me? For wounding someone? People, just because he was a member of some organization that you might not like does not mean you can crucify him and ruin his life!

Monday, Feb 8 at 3:45 PM The Truth back by popular demand wrote ...

Oh My is absolutely correct. We have pc shoved down our throats every time we do anything and told to can't say this or do that because its racial profiling and it might hurt someone’s stinking feelings. However when it befits someone then it’s ok all of a sudden. Real easy fix. If you leave this law you then acknowledge there is a difference in races. At that point you leave open criticism either for or against the different races that most be allowed. If not, then eliminate this law and stop acknowledging something you don’t want to exist. I think it is BS. Anyone can commit a crime and anyone can be a victim.

Saturday, Feb 6 at 11:06 AM Oh My.... wrote ...

Why are minorities always pulling the race card? Seriously, just because he was hispanic, does not mean he was shot BECAUSE of that. People need to get a damn life and get over it. Penalize him for the crime at hand....shooting a HUMAN.

Friday, Feb 5 at 8:30 PM griz wrote ...

Racial or not this is still a crime and he should get the maximum time for it.

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