Community members urge prosecutor to charge Dione Payne murderers with rape, hate crime
Earlier this month, we reported on the murder of 16-year-old Dione Payne. The Ohio teen was beat to death by two white men, and according to media sources, police were investigating a possible motive.
Turns out that not only was Payne beaten, but sexually assaulted. Community members are urging Franklin City Prosecutor Steven Runge bring forth hate and rape charges against the men.
Michael A. Geldrich, 36, and Michael J. Watson, 39, are both being held in the Warren County Jail for the December 1 beating death of the young Payne. Miami Valley Hospital workers discovered that Payne had been sexually assaulted during the attack. Hospital personnel contacted Middletown police and stated the teen had been sexually assaulted, according to the police report.
Read more at Political Blindspot
Franklin Police Chief Russ Whitman said there is “no evidence” that there was a racial motive to the rape and murder of Payne. The first step to demanding justice for Dione Payne is to contact Franklin City Prosecutor at:
Steven M. Runge
Franklin Municipal Court
1 Benjamin Franklin Way
Franklin Ohio, 45005
(937) 746-2858
srunge@franklinohio.org
Is there any justification for why these two men shouldn’t be charged with rape/hate crime?
Is this an example of a skewed justice system?
Sound off below!