A recent trial in Oklaloosa County, Florida, has ended with the acquittal of a man accused of committing a hate crime against an Asian American individual. Allan Chandler Muller, 36, was found not guilty of aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability, with a hate crime enhancement, following a three-day trial.
In the incident that took place in 2020, Muller allegedly shouted racial slurs at the victim, John Mealor, before physically assaulting him. The attack resulted in a broken jaw for Mealor, who was also knocked unconscious. Despite the severity of the attack and the racial nature of the taunts, the jury decided that Muller was not guilty of a hate crime.
Assistant State Attorney Salvador A. Gomez Jr. expressed disappointment in the verdict but acknowledged the jury’s role as the finder of fact. The defense counsel for Muller, T.S. Lupella, also released a statement, stating that it was unfortunate the case had to go to trial.
According to the police report, Mealor and a friend were searching for Mealor’s girlfriend near a harbor when they encountered Muller on a boat. Muller reportedly made derogatory comments about the victim’s appearance and ethnicity before verbally attacking him. The situation escalated further when Muller physically assaulted Mealor, knocking him unconscious and causing a severe injury that required his jaw to be sewn shut for several weeks.
Despite the victim’s friend testifying that Muller kicked Mealor in the face while he was unconscious, the jury ultimately determined that Muller’s actions did not constitute a hate crime. It is worth noting that Muller had previously attempted to invoke the Stand Your Ground defense, a Florida law that permits the use of deadly force in self-defense, but his motion was denied.
While the verdict may have disappointed many who hoped for justice in this case, it highlights the challenges faced in prosecuting hate crimes. It also underscores the importance of continuing to address and combat hate and discrimination in our society.
For more stories and news on Asian American issues, visit F5 Magazine.