Man convicted in racist 2019 acid attack in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A jury has convicted a white Milwaukee man who was accused of throwing acid on a Latino man’s face throughout a racist attack in 2019.

Clifton Blackwell, 64, was discovered responsible Thursday of first-degree reckless harm, with a dangerous weapon, as a hate crime. He faces up to 20 years in prison at his sentencing Might 18.

The jury rejected Blackwell’s argument that he acted in self-defense after arguing with Mahud Villalaz over avenue parking in November 2019 in Milwaukee. He accused Villalaz, who suffered second-degree burns, of being in the country illegally and invading the US.

Blackwell was waiting for a bus when he advised Villalaz that he had parked his truck illegally in a bus stop zone exterior a restaurant, prosecutors mentioned. The two might be seen on surveillance video, however not heard, and Blackwell could possibly be seen retrieving an aluminum bottle from his satchel.

Villalaz moved his truck to a different parking spot and headed again towards the restaurant. The two argued again and Blackwell splashed the contents of the bottle, which was acidic drain cleaner, in Villalaz’s face.

Villalaz, 43, testified through the trial that his vision in his left eye has been completely affected.

Blackwell mentioned he carried the drain cleaner for self-defense at night time because he’s disabled, and had been attacked on the streets earlier than. He mentioned he was scared when Villalaz bought so indignant, and splashed the liquid just as Villalaz made a fist and gave the impression to be about to strike him, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Villalaz is a U.S. citizen who immigrated from Peru. He testified he was angry at Blackwell for telling him he “invaded” his nation and may “return,” however didn’t wish to hurt anyone.

Blackwell was taken into custody after the decision.