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 during a racist attack in 2019.

Clifton Blackwell, 64, was found responsible Thursday of first-degree reckless injury, with a dangerous weapon, as a hate crime. He faces as much as 20 years in jail at his sentencing May 18.

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

Blackwell was ready for a bus when he informed Villalaz that he had parked his truck illegally in a bus cease zone exterior a restaurant, prosecutors mentioned. The 2 may very well 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 another parking spot and headed back 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 during the trial that his vision in his left eye has been completely affected.

Blackwell stated he carried the drain cleaner for self-defense at evening because he’s disabled, and had been attacked on the streets before. He stated he was scared when Villalaz acquired so offended, 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 offended at Blackwell for telling him he “invaded” his nation and will “go back,” but didn’t need to harm anyone.

Blackwell was taken into custody after the decision.