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Man facing manslaughter charges in 2013 death of transgender woman – Metro US

Man facing manslaughter charges in 2013 death of transgender woman

Man facing manslaughter charges in 2013 death of transgender woman
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A 24-year-old Brooklyn man was indicted on manslaughter charges Tuesday for his involvement in the August 2013 death of Islan Nettles.

Manhattan DA Cy Vance said James Dixon, 24, of Brooklyn punched Nettles, a 21-year-old transgender woman, in the head after arguing on a Harlem street. She later died from her injuries.

Vance did not give any motive for the attack. Press reports at the time called it a hate crime.

Dixon was in a group of at least seven men walking up Frederick Douglass Boulevard after midnight on Aug. 17, according to the indictment and court proceedings. Dixon punched Nettles in the head, and she hit the back of her head on the pavement, knocking her unconscious. Dixon continued hitting Nettles, adding to her already serious brain injury, the DA’s office said. Dixon fled after the encounter.

Nettles was declared brain dead on Aug. 20 and taken off life support two days later.

A grand jury indicted Dixon on charges of manslaughter in the first and second degree, and assault in the first degree.

Another man, Paris Wilson, was arrested at the time of the attack and charged with misdemeanor assault, according to the Daily News. The charges against Wilson were dropped after Dixon confessed, but said he was too drunk to remember what happened.

He is being held without bail until his next court appearance on March 19.