New York City officials are releasing additional information about a suspect in a series of incidents where gay men were allegedly drugged and then left with large unauthorized bank accounts withdrawals.
Prosecutors claim that Shane Hoskins was connected to a group which would drug and rob gay men who visited gay bars in the city. This led to two overdoses.
NEW YORK CITY CITY GAY COMMUNITY IS ON HIGH ALERT AFTER ALLEGED DRUGGINGS AND ROBBERIES, AND AT LEAST TWO DEATHS
Hoskins is facing charges of robbery, identity theft and other related offenses in the fatal drugs incident in May 2022. FOX 5 New York reported that Hoskins was released on bail at $50,000.
Family members are raising alarm about the deaths of at least two more gay men who were found dead last year after suspicious bank withdrawals.
“Word must get out, especially to the gay community that they are targeting gay males. … The same killers have robbed, drugged and killed countless gay men in New York.”
— Linda Clary
Linda Clary, mother of John Umberger, said to the New York Post that she couldn’t keep quiet any longer. “Word must get out, especially in The gay community that they are targeting gaymen. … The same killers have robbed, drugged and killed countless gay men in New York.”
It’s the worst thing that ever happened. John was not only my firstborn but he was also my confidant. He was an advisor. He was an encouragement.” Clary shared his feelings with FOX 5.
Umberger, 33, , was found dead in a Upper East Side townhouse after he had left The Q NYC in Hell’s Kitchen in May with a group.
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Umberger’s phone, credit cards and bank account were drained of more than $25,000 after Umberger was robbed.
A month prior, Julio Ramirez (25), died in the back seat of a taxi after leaving a gay bar just blocks away from Umberger.
Ramirez’s phone, credit card and approximately $20,000 were missing from his accounts.
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Clary stated that her son died tragically, and that many parents reached out to Clary to tell her their stories.
Sarah Rumpf is a reporter on Fox News Digital’s breaking news team. You can reach Sarah Rumpf via Twitter at @rumpfsarahc