New Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon’s decision to backtrack on criminal enhancements will come into play in the hate crime slaying of a praying coronavirus patient. Martinez faces charges of murder, elder abuse resulting in death and a hate crime, Gascon’s office announced Thursday. CALIFORNIA COVID-19 PATIENT FATALLY BEATS 82-YEAR-OLD HOSPITAL ROOMMATE FOR PRAYING, AUTHORITIES SAYStaff members detained Martinez at the Lancaster, Calif., hospital until law enforcement arrived, the Los Angeles Times reported. Gascon came under fire earlier this month after issuing guidance to his prosecutors, telling them to drop all sentencing enhancements. He reversed his decision when it came to enhancements related to hate crimes and crimes that targeted children or the elderly.

Source: Fox News December 31, 2020 22:07 UTC