Preliminary hearing held in Harpal Singh attack case, DA open to hate crime charges

The accused has been currently charged with 'attempted murder', 'assault with force likely to cause great bodily harm', and 'aggravated battery'.

Logo of LA District Attorney's office / Wikimedia commons

Bo Richard Vitagliano, the man accused of the alleged violent assault on 70-year-old Harpal Singh, was presented for a preliminary hearing before a court in North Hollywood, California, on Sept. 2.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's office has charged Vitagliano with 'attempted murder', 'assault with force likely to cause great bodily harm', and 'aggravated battery'.

Singh, who remains in critical condition, was attacked with a golf club after an argument with Vitagliano. Witnesses reported hearing a commotion and seeing the two men swinging metal objects at each other before Singh was struck multiple times, including while he was on the ground.

ALSO READ: Sikh man attacked in North Hollywood, police launch probe

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had arrested 44-year-old Vitagliano, an unhoused man with an extensive criminal record, in connection with the North Hollywood attack. The Aug. 4 incident, which took place near the Sikh Gurdwara of LA at Lankershim Boulevard and Saticoy Street, left 70-year-old Harpal Singh severely injured.

According to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, Vitagliano has prior arrests for assault with a deadly weapon, narcotics offenses, and possession of weapons.

ALSO READ: LAPD arrest suspect in North Hollywood attack that left Sikh man severely injured

The DA's office noted that the accused has not been charged with 'hate crime' so far, however they are prepared to do so if additional evidence emerges.

The family of the victim attended the hearing and were supported by Sikh community organizations including the Sikh Coalition and SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund).

ALSO READ: Civil rights groups urge LAPD to probe Harpal Singh assault as hate crime

Reacting positively to the arguments presented in court by the DA's office, Sikh Coalition Legal Director Munmeeth Kaur said in a statement, "It has become clear that the District Attorney’s office is taking this case seriously."

Kaur added, "They must be willing to consider hate crime charges if new evidence comes to light, and it is heartening that they clearly understand the relevance of a full interview with Harpal ji to those potential charges. Our hearts remain with his family as his medical condition remains uncertain."

SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill expressed solidarity with Singh and his family, Gill noted in a statement, "Our thoughts are with Harpal Singh ji as he remains in critical condition. SALDEF will continue to monitor the case closely and keep the community updated as it progresses."

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