Second Arrest Made in Assault of Homeless Man


Johnny Deon Abernathy

NEWTON -- On July 10th at 6:54 PM, Newton police officer Dan T. Harris served outstanding warrants on Johnny Deon Abernathy for Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury (felony) and 1st Degree Kidnapping (felony).

The victim is a homeless white male who had been staying with residents at a home on McDaniels Circle.

The victim was beaten then restarined and assaulted further. He was also burned with a cigarette lighter and sodomy was attempted.

Detective Hayes has been conferringwith the FBI and the US Attorney's Office in reference to the possibility of Hate Crime issues.

Abernathy was placed under a $30,000 secured bond and his court appearance is 07-11-08.