Crime

Man Aspergers Killed Single Punch Attackers Sentence Sparks Outrage Video

Ruth Kamau  ·  June 20, 2015

LONDON — On a quiet street in the British capital, a tragic incident unfolded last week that has left many reeling and demanding justice. A 20-year-old man with Asperger’s syndrome died after a single punch during what police described as a senseless altercation. The attacker, a 22-year-old local man, was sentenced to just four years in prison, a decision that’s ignited widespread fury across social media and beyond.

The victim, who had been diagnosed with Asperger’s as a teen, was walking home from a friend’s house when he got into a brief argument with the assailant. Witnesses said the punch came out of nowhere, sending the young man crashing to the pavement. He never regained consciousness, and doctors later confirmed the blow caused fatal brain injuries. It’s a story that’s all too common in urban areas, where one impulsive act can end a life, but this case hit a nerve because of the victim’s vulnerability.

In court, the judge cited the attacker’s clean record and expressed remorse as reasons for the lenient sentence. Prosecutors had pushed for at least eight years, arguing the act was unprovoked and deadly. Yet, the ruling has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups for people with autism, who say it downplays the risks faced by those with the condition in everyday situations. One group called it a “slap on the wrist” that fails to send a strong message.

Videos of the incident, which surfaced online shortly after, have fueled the backlash, showing the attack in chilling detail and prompting calls for a review. People took to Twitter and Facebook to share their anger, with hashtags like #JusticeForAspergers trending for days. It’s hard not to feel frustrated here; this feels like another example of the system letting down those who need protection most. As the debate rages on, families of similar victims are speaking out, hoping for changes that might prevent more heartbreak down the line.