http://www.kpsplocal2.com/news/local/story/Local-Couple-Charged-with-Hate-Crimes-in-Alleged/FFfy2IniOESg7W5BI5845A.cspxA man and woman were arrested at Ruth Hardy Park following a dispute over a parking spot in downtown Palm Springs on May 21st.
Palm Springs Police say 24-year-old Russell Bates and 19-year old Abigail Sheehy got angry and started yelling "derogatory slurs" at the gay couple before punching them.
One of the victims even lost some teeth during the assault, according to Palm Springs Police Sergeant Troy Castillo.
It started about 4:20 p.m. at 170 E. Tahquitz Canyon Drive as a possible robbery. When police arrived they found two men, age 63, and 45, who are described as "domestic partners." The gay couple told police an argument with a man and women started over a parking space behind the business on Tahquitz Canyon Drive.
The victims started taking pictures of the couple, later identified as Bates and Sheehy. That's when the couple reportedly became physical, punching the men several times. Castillo reported the assault happened in front of the Sheehy and Bates' 4-year old child.
Palm Springs Police found Sheehy and Bates at Ruth Hardy Park the next day and took them both into custody. Their 4-year-old child was released to a family member, and police notified Child Protective Services.
Sheehy and Bates were charged with battery causing serious bodily injury, child abuse, and violation of civil rights (felony commission of a hate crime). Bates was also charged with violating his probation.
Bates is being held at the Larry Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on $50,000 bail. Court records show Sheehy bailed out on May 26th. Both are expected in court in Indio on June 6th.
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