New Jersey man dies of racially motivated attack after six months on life support

New Jersey man dies of racially motivated attack after six months on life support
Jamil Hubbard (left), Jerry Wolkowitz (Images: Left — Asbury Park Press video screen grab, right — family photo)

Jamil S. Hubbard, 26, had nothing personal against 56-year-old Jerry Wolkowitz, a freelance journalist and EMT. In fact, the two men didn’t know each other. What prompted Hubbard to attack and beat Wolkowitz before running him over with his car the morning of May 1 was the latter’s skin color.

On Thursday, Wolkowitz, who had been unconscious and on life support, died of his injuries.

According to the Asbury Park Press, to which Wolkowitz was a contributor, Wolkowitz was the son of Holocaust survivors and an “innocent soul.”

“It’s an absolute tragedy when such a vibrant life ends under such senseless circumstances,”  said Hollis R. Towns, Press executive editor and vice president for news and Northeast regional editor for the USA Today Network.

In the months that followed the assault, Wolkowitz’s loved ones remained by his side through infections and organ failures.

After Hubbard ran him over, he stole Wolkowitz’s car, which helped police track him down.

Police originally charged Hubbard with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and bias intimidation. A grand jury later added charges of armed robbery, eluding and theft.

Hubbard has two prior convictions in state superior court, records show, one for endangering in 2014 and another for drug dealing in 2015. He received a 364-day jail sentence on the drug charge.

Whether new charges against Hubbard will now be pursued has not yet been decided, though it would be a travesty of justice if the charges against him were not upgraded to include murder.

LU Staff

LU Staff

Promoting and defending liberty, as defined by the nation’s founders, requires both facts and philosophical thought, transcending all elements of our culture, from partisan politics to social issues, the workings of government, and entertainment and off-duty interests. Liberty Unyielding is committed to bringing together voices that will fuel the flame of liberty, with a dialogue that is lively and informative.

Comments

For your convenience, you may leave commments below using Disqus. If Disqus is not appearing for you, please disable AdBlock to leave a comment.