Police Say Man Shouting Racial Hatred Kills Latino

While shouting “I hate Mexicans,” a black suspected gang member wielding a cinder block allegedly beat to death a Central American immigrant early Thursday as witnesses at a nearby gas station in South Los Angeles looked on in horror.

“I can’t stand Mexicans. They should get out of the country,” witnesses quoted the man as saying as he allegedly kicked, stomped and beat the unidentified Latino man during what police say may have been a robbery.

Gregory Hamilton, 26, who did not give police an address, was arrested shortly after the incident and booked on suspicion of murder. He was being held without bail in the Southeast Division Jail.

Police said the 2:30 a.m. attack in the 9900 block of South Figueroa was witnessed by several people--blacks and Latinos--who were buying gas. One witness called police and another flagged down a patrol car. Police Lt. Mike Markulis said one of the victim’s pockets was turned inside out, indicating a possible robbery.