Recent reports from Oklahoma City have shed light on a disturbing incident involving a homeless man named Tilman Shannon. According to court documents, Shannon was viciously attacked by a group of teenagers on May 26, leaving him severely injured and nearly beaten to death.
Surveillance footage captured the harrowing ordeal, showing several teens yelling and threatening Shannon from a vehicle. Despite his attempts to flee, Shannon was cornered and brutally assaulted near a dumpster in a parking lot.
One of the alleged suspects, Veronica Benavente, 19, reportedly live-streamed the attack on her Instagram page, hurling racist slurs and expletives at Shannon during the assault. The attack, which involved approximately nine teens, took a particularly gruesome turn when they forcibly removed Shannon's colostomy bag.
Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Dillion Quirk described Shannon's injuries as severe and traumatic, but fortunately, he is expected to survive after receiving medical treatment.
Local residents expressed shock and dismay at the incident, with one long-time resident commenting on the presence of gangs in the area. Another resident, who had moved to the neighborhood five years ago, expressed concern over the unexpected violence in what was typically considered a safe area.
Authorities have taken swift action by arresting Benavente, Eric Villagomez, 18, and three juvenile suspects. However, four additional suspects involved in the attack are still at large.
Benavente is currently held in the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a $150,000 bond, facing charges of aggravated assault and battery, accessory to crime, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Villagomez, also detained in the same facility on a $100,000 bond, is charged with aggravated assault and battery, maiming, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The Oklahoma City police have remained tight-lipped about the case, refusing to disclose further details about the ongoing investigation.
