Nigel Garrett, 21, is one of the four men who targeted gay men through gay dating app Grindr early last year. Garrett would connect with gay men on the app and arrange to meet at their homes where his accomplices Chancler Encalade, Cameron Ajiduah, and Anthony Shelton would arrive and tie-up victims, beat them, and shout derogatory language at them before robbing them at gunpoint. This is why you should never host!
The home invasions occurred over a three week period in Frisco, Plano, and Aubrey, Texas.
Garrett has been sentenced to 15 years in prison while his buddies are still awaiting sentences. Garrett’s sentence was followed by a plea deal with prosecutors according to the Tyler Morning Telegraph.
In a statement, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Civic Rights Division John Gore said:
Hate crimes are an attack on a fundamental principle of the United States to be free from fear of violence because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, religion, or national origin. The Department of Justice is committed to using every tool at its disposal to combat this type of violence.
Top Left: Anthony Shelton; Top Right: Nigel Garrett; Bottom Left: Cameron Ajiduah; Bottom Right: Chancler Encalade