Two teens have been arrested in Oklahoma City after a brutal attack on a homeless man, while police are searching for several more teens involved in the incident. Court documents reveal that the homeless man, identified as Tilman Shannon, was jumped by a large group of teens on May 26, leaving him nearly beaten to death. Surveillance video captured the attack, showing several teens yelling and threatening Shannon from a vehicle. Shannon attempted to run away but was beaten down near a dumpster at the opposite end of the parking lot.
The most disturbing aspects of the attack were discovered on social media, as one of the alleged suspects, Veronica Benavente, 19, live-streamed the attack on her Instagram page. An arrest affidavit stated that Benavente was heard yelling racist slurs and expletives at Shannon while the group carried out the beating. Police have said that approximately nine teens were involved in the attack, during which Shannon’s colostomy bag was savagely pulled out, resulting in severe injuries and significant trauma. Shannon was taken to a local hospital with severe injuries but is expected to survive.
Residents in the neighborhood where the attack took place expressed shock and outrage over the incident. Some long-time residents, like Mike Martin, found the attack disgusting, while newer residents, like Trisha Tyler, were scared by the incident. They noted that while the neighborhood is not usually considered dangerous, there are gangs in the area. Police have arrested Benavente and Eric Villagomez, 18, along with three other juvenile suspects, but are still searching for four other suspects seen in the video. Benavente is being held in the Oklahoma County Detention Center on charges of aggravated assault and battery, accessory to crime, and conspiracy to commit a felony, with a bond set at $150,000.
Villagomez is also in custody at the Oklahoma County Detention Center on charges of aggravated assault and battery, maiming, and conspiracy to commit a felony, with a bond set at $100,000. Police have not provided any further information about the attack or the ongoing investigation. The brutal assault on the homeless man has shocked the community and sparked outrage over the violent actions of the teens involved. The incident highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable populations, such as homeless individuals, and the need for greater awareness and action to address issues of violence and abuse in society.
