Latino Dies in Alleged Racial Attack

Shouting “I hate Mexicans,” a black 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-Central 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 victim to death during what police say may have been a robbery.

Gregory Hamilton, 26, who would not give police his address, was arrested a few minutes after the incident as he “calmly walked away” from the scene, police said. He was booked on suspicion of murder and 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 Street was witnessed by several people--blacks and Latinos--who were buying gas nearby.

The motive may be robbery, said Los Angeles Police Lt. Mike Markulis, because one of the victim’s pockets was turned inside out. However, none of the victim’s belongs were found on Hamilton when he was arrested.