What Constitutes a Hate Crime? Ask Mallory Owens Once She’s Out of the Hospital.

D.A. Ashley Rich says she has no reason to call it a hate crime at this point in the investigation.

That’s how the District Attorney is handling the case of Mallory Owens, a twenty-three year old Alabama woman who was celebrating Thanksgiving at her girlfriend’s house in Mobile on Thursday night, when her girlfriend’s brother, Travis Hawkins Jr., attacked her for being gay (allegedly).

According to News 5, Hawkins had a history of this behavior, having beat Owens over the head with a lead pipe earlier this year. Hawkins was arrested Sunday for the current crime and charged with second degree assault but bonded out soon after.

And here we are at the beginning of this post again… D.A. Ashley Rich says she has no reason to call it a hate crime at this point in the investigation. If you watch the video below you’ll see images of Owens in the hospital. These images are gut-wrenching but show how serious and intentional this crime was. How this can be anything but a hate crime is beyond me. Hawkins was known by friends and family to have a problem with Owens’ sexuality and had previously attacked her.

D.A. Rich says “We are assessing her injuries, everything regarding her hospital stay. But at this time, he is charged with causing serious physical injuries to her, which is assault second degree under the laws of the State of Alabama.”

It is absurd that Hawkins is walking free (at least temporarily) and could inflict this damage on another LGBT individual because of his hate. At minimum he should be held because of his clear danger to society. At maximum he should be tried for a greater crime.

One commenter below the News 5 article shared the D.A.’s email address (ashleyrich@mobileda.org) and said “I intend to contact her about why he was not charged with Attempted Murder with special circumstance of a Hate Crime.” Thank you Pam Fenton!

According to AL.com, Owens is going to be (or has been) released today saying that “she will have to return to the University of South Alabama Medical Center on Thursday to consult a plastic surgeon for her injuries.”

The image below shows the extent of her injuries and may be upsetting for most readers.

Click the image for a larger version.
LEFT: Mallory Owens, pictured her before she was beaten on Thanksgiving Day, poses for a photo in a mirror.RIGHT: Mallory Owens shown at the University of South Alabama Medical Center after she was attacked on Nov. 22, 2012. (Images courtesy of Avery Ingram and Chanda Ingram via AL.com)

What can you do?
The News 5 article says that Owens has no health insurance but that people can donate to her medical bills. “A fund has been set up in her name at any Regions Bank.”

You can also sign this Change.org petition which asks the D.A. to bring Hawkins to justice.

The Justice for Mallory Owens Facebook page also appears to provide updated info.

Click for video. You will be redirected to the WKRG News 5 website.

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About the author

I’m Tommy, a writer and storyteller who works in marketing for the arts and cultural communities. I’m the author of Mabel Stanley and the Town That Was Built All Wrong, a fun and heartfelt book, and I’m currently working on a novel about self-discovery and the complexities of memory. Writing is a big part of my life, but I also enjoy creating experiences that bring people together, which is why my husband, Matt, and I co-run the online store Have Fun Spread Joy. It’s all about embracing the playful side of life and giving back along the way. I’m married to Matt, and we share our home with our two pets, Zoey (the cat) and Dixie (the dog). When I’m not writing, working on our store, or doing marketing for the arts, I like to dive into theater, something I want to get more involved with over time. I was diagnosed with ADHD, and while it comes with its own set of challenges, it also gives me a unique perspective that I try to channel into everything I do. Whether it’s writing, working on creative projects, or finding ways to spread joy, I’m all about making a lasting impact in whatever I do.

Tommy Karr