Prepare to be disabused of the notion that so-called “knockout” attacks are the exclusive domain of inner-city blacks. The perp in an attack on the campus of Endicott College in Beverly, Mass., earlier this year is white. His name is Dillon P. Destefano, he is 20, and his on his way to jail, where he will spend the next four years.
Unlike most knockout gamers, Destefano didn’t make a “trophy” recording of his assault to share later on YouTube, and his actions seem to have been induced by partly his consumption of large quantities of alcohol beforehand. Most knockout attackers are fully conscious and aware of their stupid acts.
None of which is meant to condone Destefano’s actions, which according to the Boston Herald, took place on Feb. 2.
Destefano “without provocation or warning” hit three classmates. One suffered a broken jaw and had to have his mouth wired shut for weeks. A second endured a broken eye-socket and sinus cavity. A third victim escaped with a swollen lip.
Yesterday Destefano, a New Jersey resident, pleaded guilty to assault and witness intimidation charges in Salem Superior Court. (The last charge was in response to his threatening a witness who he feared might “rat on him.”)
Essex District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett called the assaults “unprovoked, random attacks on unsuspecting victims.” Judge Howard Whitehead appeared to agree, sentencing Destefano to four years in a house of correction followed by three years’ probation. In addition, Destefano must undergo a mental-health evaluation and help defray his victims’ out-of-pocket medical expenses.
