Beating victim's family demands action

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The family of a young white man brutally beaten by a group of black teenagers in Buffalo is demanding action from city leaders and the police.

Family members are upset that no charges have been filed in the case.

18-year-old Brian Milligan, Junior has to drink his food through a straw. His jaw is wired shut.

About three weeks ago on Genesee and Floss, he was viciously attacked - his head split open by a chunk of concrete, and his jaw broken.

Brian Jr. said, "It broke in two spots. It broke here and here."

He was beaten by ten to twelve African American teenagers according to a witness who talked to the family. Brian and his girlfriend Nicola Fletcher, an interracial couple, had been taunted a few days before, possibly by the same teenagers.

Brian Jr. said, "We were about to fight, but she stopped me."

Fletcher said, "I think it was a hate crime, because why would you approach somebody and yell out 'don't come back to our neighborhood! Don't date our women!'"

It has been almost three weeks since the attack and the city still has not declared this a hate crime. There have been no arrests.

Brian Jr. said, "They should have been caught already, at least one. Like everyone said, it's been three weeks."

Brian Milligan, Senior said, "I would like to see, for one, Mayor Brown's office declare this a hate crime, because that's what it is."

Buffalo Police say they are making some progress in the case, but they are not saying much more.

Buffalo Police spokesman Mike DeGeorge said, "They still need people to come forward and they would certainly ask people to come forward if they know anything."

Mayoral candidate Mickey Kearns, who is now offering a $2,500 reward in the case, says the Milligan family should be made aware of what's going on, "There needs to be communication with the family to let them know what is going on. They can't leave them in the dark."

Brian Jr.'s aunt Judy Milligan said, "I do believe it should be investigated by the FBI. That's our right as American citizens, for justice."

The FBI investigates hate crimes. The Milligan family has ruled out robbery, because a cell phone, compact disc player, and expensive sneakers were not taken from Brian, but they do believe there was an attempt on his life.

Leslie Milligan said, "They didn't steal his property, and just going straight for his head and leaving him there like that, I think they really did want to kill him."

Buffalo Common Council Majority Leader Rich Fontana has offered a thousand dollars reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the beating of Brian Milligan, Jr.

There is also a drive underway to help the Milligan family help pay for Brian's medical expenses. Buffalo Police say the investigation has been hampered because Brian doesn't remember what happened to him after walking home his girlfriend on August 18th. Detectives plan on interviewing the beating victim later this week.

Buffalo Police say the department has been contacting the family almost every other day. The Milligan family says they have not been given much information.

The Buffalo Police tipline is 847-2255.

Donations can be sent to: Brian Milligan, Jr. benefit account c/o Leslie Milligan Bank of America 6041 Transit Road Depew, NY 14043