OLNEY (WPVI) --
A homeless veteran, beaten at a gas station in the Olney section of Philadelphia nearly eight months ago, has died.
The incident at the Sunoco in the 5500 block of North 5th Street was captured by a surveillance camera on April 7th.
The video shows 51-year-old Robert Barnes being pummeled by teens with a hammer, a piece of wood and punches, after police say a 10-year-old boy told his mother he got into an argument with Barnes.
The attack left Barnes in a coma.
The boy's mother, 34-year-old Aleathea Gillard, has been charged in the case, along with 24-year-old Shareena Joachim.
Three juveniles were also arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, simple assault and related offenses.
Police say those charges could be upgraded to murder after the district attorney returns from the Thanksgiving holiday.
Source: http://6abc.com/news/homeless-veteran-beaten-by-teens-on-camera-in-olney-dies/1101081/
This is absolutely disgusting to me. There are so many things wrong with this whole situation that just get my blood boiling. First, I hate seeing stories about homeless veterans because it just reminds me of how much this nation has failed those who served it, and reinforces my belief that this selfish, wretched population isn't worthy of those who protect them. Second, it disturbs me that this family thought it was okay to beat a man to death simply because their little brat lied and said the homeless veteran hit him. Even if the little brat was telling the truth, beating a man to death is not the appropriate response, at least not for civilized people.
Here's the video of the murder:
Link to video.
And civilians wonder why soldiers and veterans look at them with disgust.