Kentucky Group Says Cops Wrong with Hate Crime

CHEYENNE WILLIAMS KENTUCKY X390 | SCREENGRAB

The president of the Kentucky Equality Federation is firing back at state police who are saying an alleged attempted murder against a lesbian teenager was not a hate crime.

Jordan Palmer, of the KEF, said that while Kentucky does not have a hate crime charge, said police officers don't have the final word on what is and is not a hate crime. He added that the sentencing judge, if the women are found guilty, may determine whether the primary motivation for a crime is hate, according toUnited We Stand Kentucky. Additional penalties may then apply.

Ashley Sams and Corrine Schwab, both 18, along with an unnamed 17-year-old, were arrested and charged with kidnapping fellow student and friend Cheyenne Williams. Authorities say the assault involved them trying to push her off a cliff at Flat Lick Falls on Friday, the National Day of Silence. Williams eventually escaped.

Sams and Schwab posted bond last week. They will be arraigned on Monday.

Kentucky State Police sergeant Matt Feltner said that the incident was "not a hate crime." He added that police are also investigating whether the assault was a prank.

However Williams's mother said the alleged assault happened because her daughter is a lesbian. She also said Cheyenne was too scared to return to school, and that she will complete her final two months of high school at home, but will graduate on time with her class