New Black Panther Party says Paris homicide was hate crime

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Posted: 6:28 PM Oct 6, 2008
Last Updated: 6:28 PM Oct 6, 2008
Reporter: Rashi Vats
Email Address: rashi.vats@kxii.com

43 comments

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PARIS, Tex. -- A controversial homicide in Paris, Texas, has drawn the attention of the New Black Panther Party. The group was in Paris on Monday. Rashi Vats explains why the party claims there is more to this murder than meets the eye.

The New Black Panther Party had their press conference outside in the rain to talk about the murder of Brandon McClelland. Charles Crostley and Shannon Keith Findley were arrested and charged in the death of 24-year-old Brandon McClelland, whose body was found on Lamar County Road on September 16. Both have been charged with murder.

Authorities say McClelland was the victim of a shooting and possibly a hit-and-run.

The New Black Panther Party claims that the investigation into McClelland’s death was not thorough, that the two men should be charged with a hate crime, and should be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty.

Party representatives claim the crime was racially motivated.

"We are asking for an outside agency to come in and ensure that justice is served, either to the prosecutors of Mr. Charles Crostley and Shannon Keith Findley, who have been accused of this hate crime,” New Black Panther Party member Derick Brown told us.

Party officials say they met with Lamar County District Attorney Gary Young on Monday. Young did not want to comment on camera, but did tell us that his office is still investigating and that he had a good conversation with the New Black Panther Party.

The investigation is still ongoing, and the New Black Panthers say they will be holding a rally later this month.

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Posted by: Let them come on Nov 19, 2008 at 12:59 PM
I am going to write the Black Panthers and ask them to come to Ardmore for the Goddard case. I want them to explain to the rest of us why this beating by five black men on one white, is not a "HATE CRIME". They murdered him by stomping and beating him. Then drove around with him beaten is his own car and wouldn't take him to a hospital. He died from the injuries they inflicted. IT WAS A HATE CRIME. I was there for the Dallas Cowboy Parade that turned into a riot. We had to hide in a tree to keeps the blacks from beating us up just because we were white. Three black men beat up a white girl right in front of us. Where were the Black Panthers then? They don't want to own up to both sides of the coin. Maybe I will start a group called "THE WHITE PANTHERS". Seeing how we are minorities now, I also would like to see a White American College Fund set up also. Try to stop me and it will be discrimination. Tables have turned people.

Posted by: mayor Location: tishomingo on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:30 PM
A crime is a crime, no matter what color you are, we have become so petty, imature and its always someone else's fault meantality, it makes me wanna puke!!! come on people, do we have to BLAME EVERYONE FOR OUR Ignorance and incompetance as a PERSON, not color, how about something new? be a person that can make a difference in some young childs life and help them find responsibility in their exsistance instead of growing a NEW GENERATION OF WHINNING crybabies because I dont get what I think I " should be entitled to" which in my opinion is only to breath, you WORK FOR THE REST AND EARN IT, not given to you in a welfare check because you can breed more!!!!

Posted by: Trickl Location: TX on Nov 18, 2008 at 01:49 PM
now I dont no if this is a hate crime or not, because I wasn't given enough information, but knowin' TX it very well could have been. And dont get this New Black Panther Party mixed up with the old one. Either way neither parties are thugs, the NBPP may be a bit Radical, but they dont go around spewing hatred against white people or hanging them like the KKK. While I do not agree with the NBPP I thing a thug is the wrong word to use.

Posted by: really Location: confused on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:57 AM
A crime against a non-white by a white...hate crime; a crime against a WHITE by a NON-White..... not a hate crime... WTF????? murder is murder...rather it be green, yellow, brown, purple with pink polka dots...whatever....this whole race thing just blows my mind.

Posted by: john Location: paris on Nov 17, 2008 at 07:22 PM
I read in the paper that, the murder of Brandon McClelland was a hate crime. Racially motivated. The New Black Panther Party are blowing this way out of view. Whos the one to say this is a racially motivated, besides the investorgater of the crime. I hope this is not being brought up because of our new president. Lets hope The United States will not be divided up by race. We have over come that issue along time ago. I personally voted for oun new president. Hoping he will give us a "change". The problum in Paris,Tx is that everybody want's the bigger hand. What really needs to be done, is that we just need to work as one, and accomplished more together, but we all turn to the blind eyes and are ablivious to what really going on in hand. Not taking either side, but I belevie this was not a racially motivated crime. Just making to much of nothing. Thats what I see or my opinion.Thanks for your time . Citizen of Paris.

Posted by: victoria ruby Location: england on Nov 7, 2008 at 01:02 AM
as a white english woman,i am on your side but dont believe there shud b a side 2 b on!the speech on u tube does sound racist bout slitting white throats!dont u think this incites race hate with such words,plz dont lower urself 2 racists standards ur just fueling the fire?its only the minority in most the world whom r racist&its racist 2 tar us wit the same brush.even so im embarrassed by the comments left on u tube re that speech.also most of us english b,w,or different dont believe muslims did anything to the usa but 2b oil resourseful.plz excuse the abbs,just limited typing!of course there is under ground racism but i can assure u most of us whites dont let any dirty comment go unnoticed or unrectified and its very rar 2 hear it bout black,usually asian,so maybe we shud work on that racism in uk as its due to the misdirection of r governments.totally support u but hard to defend racist comments to racists?!peace be with u or sallum salacum(soz bout spelling!)PEACE xxx

Posted by: Rebekah Location: Paris,Texas on Oct 15, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Most of the people who are leaving comments don't understand. They don't live here and don't have to dealwith all the raciasm that goes on in this small city. We can't get the good jobs we want, the houses(it not a credit or a money issue). It's due to racist people who have taught their children to be racist.I remember Brandon and I really don't think they should get away with murder. There was a murder in '99, a black man was with white girl and the ex boyfriend killed and said he did and they executed the black man (this happened in Paris, Texas)and the man ran and left Paris because he felt guilty. I hope the NBP do something. thanks P.O.B.W.

Posted by: mrs b Location: okc ok on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Maybe Paris need the Black Panther to protect some people; since there are so many active kkk in paris texas think people.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Majority of the population in the prison system is black because they spend to much time whining over "hate crimes" and not enough being good members of society. I look around now days and see people of every color. Why do we still call blacks minorities? Around here there are just as many if not more blacks over whites.

Posted by: DANA Location: OKLAHOMA on Oct 10, 2008 at 06:14 AM
RE:JUDGE... Life ain't that way. If they do drugs they will get more time than killing someone. if they rape or molest children they will get less time than murder. So tell me where that is not a "hate crime" against the Americans', by OUR justice system..... IT NEEDS TO BE, AN EYE FOR AN EYE...YOU KILL, BE KILLED, NO EXCEPTION!!!!!

Posted by: Judge on Oct 9, 2008 at 02:06 PM
If you kill a Wal Mart greeter would that be a hate crime against all the greeters of the world? The term "hate crime" is nonsense. Whoever invented accomplished nothing but to incite more claims of racism that do not really exists. There is such thing as a hate crime but it applies to a lot more than just minorities. It applies in a lot of crimes done by whites against other whites. Hatred has no biases. If a murder is commited the penalty should be extreme, severe, and the same for anybody who commits the murder regardless of the race of the victim. Plain and simple.

Posted by: kee kee Location: sherman on Oct 9, 2008 at 11:33 AM
that whole paris thing is crazy. the african americans in paris commit more crime than anybody i know and get away with it. i think all this is hog wash, even though the police department does act racist. thats not the issue. Black people need to cut the nonsense and focus on helping the community to be a better place, rather than looking for issues that don't concern them. And why is the black panthers are always in paris everytime something happens? One of the black panthers members son is a criminal and they all on tv with that nonsense. People of all ages and colors grow up and let the race card go. The economy is broke and yall worried about a murder. come on!

Posted by: Me Location: Here on Oct 9, 2008 at 09:33 AM
The man is just as dead, be it a hate crime or not. How is any murder not a hate crime? If you take a life, is it because you "loved" him/her to death ? Justice will be done, the arrest have been made, now go forth and try to stop crime, not incite a riot!

Posted by: Alan Location: TX on Oct 9, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Agreed...any murder is a hate crime. Racism - that's a whole other story. I have to walk on verbal egg shells in fear of being offensive, while listening to the offended spout off "n1993r" in every other sentence...that is racism. I'm not considered for a position with a company because they are looking to hire a minority - that is racism. Justice on the other hand is just ridiculous, not racist...If you have the money (OJ) then dont worry, just buy your way out of jail.

Posted by: ken on Oct 9, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Who pays the Blk Panthers ? How can they afford to travel the country side ? What a joke ...

Posted by: I agree Location: Local on Oct 9, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I also am curious why it is okay when Oprah refuses to have a political candidate on because it isnt Obama and Whoopi can say"You and I dont live in the same world" Then she can say she better not ever hear a certain word out of her costars mouth.Then the NBP appear adn this is a "hate" crime. Get the *(& over it. All killing id a hate crime and most everything does NOT have to do with skin color-except when a group like this or those morons Jesse and Al make it out to be.All this noise about race and we are letting Satan whip our rears.

Posted by: anonymous on Oct 9, 2008 at 01:11 AM
Obviously this is more than a hate crime. To do that to someone is just down right inhuman whether youre black or white. Those men should die the same horrible death. An eye for an eye.

Posted by: Paris Location: Paris on Oct 8, 2008 at 08:21 PM
I just want justice.

Posted by: j Location: tx on Oct 8, 2008 at 03:23 PM
who says black people get a "ok" when they "do it" how is that when the majority of the population in the prison system is grossly distorted with mostly african americans? are there any minorities on here? whats your take?

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:32 PM.........I agree with you! It DOES NOT MATTER WHAT COLOR YOU ARE! We need to ban TOGETHER AND GET ALONG. Soon enough, we will be fighting a bigger fight!

Posted by: Jess on Oct 8, 2008 at 02:11 PM
I'm sick and tired of everything being "ok" whenever black people do it but if white people do it, it's RACIST!

Posted by: Mork Location: Ork on Oct 8, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Hey Just curious - to answer your question their is a difference. The new black panthers are very skilled in playing Madden '08 and wear their pants haning off their buttocks. Forrest Gump is my hero. Get ready Paris Texas - Jessie, Al, and Oprah are on their way! PAR-TAY! To be honest - I agree - All murders are hate crimes - let's just all get along, ok? Anyone want a breath mint?

Posted by: Confused on Oct 8, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I'm confused...the african-american's want to be treated equally, have the same rights, and not be labeled. But they are the first ones to holler racism. How can the white folks let the racism go if the black people like the Black Panthers and Oprah are continuing to complaim and keep it on the headlines.

Posted by: this is fact Location: paris,tx on Oct 8, 2008 at 09:49 AM
i know that there has been more murder's and what should be considered hate crime's of white people by black people than black people by white people,in paris,tx and i have lived here all my life.

Posted by: Just Curious Location: Oklahoma on Oct 8, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I there a difference in the the "Black Panthers" and the "New Black Panthers"? Is that like the Hell's Angel and the New Hell's Angels?

Posted by: Dana Location: Oklahoma on Oct 8, 2008 at 07:08 AM
How can we try to stop racism and "hate crimes" as it is so put, when one of the presidential candidates is racist himself? To him we are just another white person even his own mother is talked about this way. This ain't going to change. It is going to be an all out Civil War, again.

Posted by: bob Location: denison on Oct 8, 2008 at 06:10 AM
The black panthers look like they are nothing more then a gang them selfs.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 8, 2008 at 04:16 AM
hmmm looks like more white trash.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Leroy- the KKK was in town some time back, most likely trying to find some dupes & separate them from their welfare checks & beer money. I agree 100%- the Klan and Panthers are one and the same when it comes to their agendas. Both are hate groups running on the ignorance & fear of their respective knuckleheads. Neither the city of Paris nor any other community need these fearmongering thugs and relics from the past. I suggest we lock up both the Panthers and the Klan in a room, give 'em all knives, and let them "work things out". The survivors would then be shot- cleans up the gen pool of the human race that way. Should this work, let's invite radicals from some of the other races and let them "work things out" in the similar matter. And for the ignorant fools who back either horse in this sorry race, get over your miserable selves. Murder is wrong, regardless of race. Punish the offenders regardless of race. There's your equality right there!

Posted by: nathaniel Location: south on Oct 7, 2008 at 03:44 PM
These fellows apparently don't know our reputation in Texas. And we don't care what color the parties are. As comedian Ron White says, "if you kill somebody in Texas, we will kill you back." Concerns that some wimpy NJ or Chicago type sentence will come down are unwarranted. DA Young was between a rock and hard place, though. He may have legitimized these idiots by meeting with them, but chances look good that they'll go away and cause trouble somewhere else now.

Posted by: Enid Location: Oklahoma on Oct 7, 2008 at 02:21 PM
People wake up - Hate Crime law is intended to be used against the preacher in the pulpit upholding the Bible. Just wait and see how it will all turn out in a few years. Forget about black and white.

Posted by: Ardmore Mom Location: Ardmore on Oct 7, 2008 at 01:45 PM
OK.. I am with Hates Violence on this one! WHY is the prosecutor wasting his time by meeting with thugs from ANOTHER GANG? Yes, "The Black Panthers" is no different than any other gang on the street or they wouldn't be calling themselves that! Why is a "hate crime"? Because he was black?? I have had 2 really good friends KILLED by their black boyfriends, I didn't call it a hate crime, I called it MURDER!! Doesn't matter if your black, white, brown, yellow, whatever, murder is murder! I think the Blacks in these "KLANS" need to stop and look in the mirror before they start screaming racism and "hate crimes" I pray God forgives you come judgement day!

Posted by: Reality Check Location: Texas on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Most homicides are either white on white or black on black. It is a misconception that whites are killing blacks or the other way around at any kind of alarming rate. Most homicides are between people that already know one another and have some personal history... Especially in the South. In the North, people are more likely to be murdered in a robbery - motive still not race.

Posted by: john Location: denison on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:36 AM
About time somone took a look around this place. And did somthing about things. They have been killing blacks for years and nouthing has been done untell know.

Posted by: Jason Location: Oklahoma/Texas on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Hum interesting there is an article on CNN today about a Black Panther member killing a police officer. Hum.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: G-ville on Oct 7, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Black Panther Party is the same thing as the KKK, but I bet public officials wouldn't meet with them. Why is it ok for Blacks to be racist but not whites? Please clear this up for me!

Posted by: Karen Location: Oklahoma on Oct 7, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Isn't all murder a hate crime? How can be so happy with someone that you kill them. Seriously.

Posted by: Leroy Location: Out There> on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:55 AM
That's just what they need! Another racist hate group coming to town to get everybody all riled up. Might as well bring the Klan in too...

Posted by: Thumblelina Location: Anywhere on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:25 AM
If this is a hate crime, then so was the beating death murder of the Goddard gentlemen here in Ardmore by 2 or 3 black teeenagers. When I read about Goddard on the front page of the Ardmoreite last week, I wondered then why this was not labelled as a hate crime. Wrong colors I guess.

Posted by: Non-Racist on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Oh please, blacks & whites have been killing each other for years in Paris & Hugo. It's hate alright! And greed and drugs and other things that are causing the killings.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 08:09 AM
I hope they really have evidence that this was a hate crime. If they are just doing what I think they are doing, I'm going to be angry.

Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Sigh........unemployed radicals with nithing else better to do. Of course the guy was killed, and I'm sure it wasn't friendly. Can't wait for Rev. Al to show up next. Let the locals investigate this, try the accused, and if guilty, toss 'em in Huntsville. They don't need the help of rebels without a clue.

Posted by: val Location: gainesville on Oct 7, 2008 at 12:46 AM
not all murders of blacks by whites is a hate crime. if this is going to be the case all murders of whites by blacks should also be hate crimes

Posted by: forrest gump Location: alabama on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:24 PM
didnt mean to enterupte your black panther party

Posted by: Fozzy Location: Ardmore on Oct 6, 2008 at 11:13 PM
LOL! Was Forest Gump there to disrupt the black panther party this time too? If these black panthers cannot see that they are no better than the kkk they are fooling themselves.

Posted by: Worried Location: Oklahoma on Oct 6, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Is this a small look into our future? Is this what we have to look forward to? Is this something we will bring on ourselves? God Help Us!

Posted by: Keeping it real on Oct 6, 2008 at 09:38 PM
The "new" black panther party needs to go to Vidor or Jasper...

Posted by: S Location: Denison on Oct 6, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Why is it ok to have a Black Panther Party, the NAACP, the BET network, and all black schools, when whites are not allowed to have such associations? If we do, then it's all about hate, hate, hate. What makes it ok for black people to be able to exclude whites? When gangs attack white people it's not a hate crime.

Posted by: bob Location: denison on Oct 6, 2008 at 08:18 PM
So, every time a black person is killed it is a hate crime? What about black people killing white people. Like andre thomas in sherman. He killed his white ex girl friens and that was not added to the charges. I am not racist but my god everytime the race card is played.

Posted by: Hates Violence on Oct 6, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Why would a prosecutor meet with the NBP. They are nothing more than a bunch of thug themselves. Victims of hate crimes don't hurt any more or die any differently than any other victim of a crime. Any crime of violence should be dealt with the harshest sentences.

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