Hate crime charges have been filed against three family members accused of severely beating a Florida man because of his sexual orientation, leaving him blind.
Inna Makarenko, 44, Yevhen Makarenko, 43, and Oleh Makarenko, 21, are facing charges of attempted first-degree murder, battery during the burglary of a dwelling, and kidnapping, according to the Broward State Attorney's Office.
The charges, which were all filed as hate crimes, carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The alleged attack happened last August in Pompano Beach, between Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale. Prosecutors say the parents and their son broke into the 31-year-old victim's home and delivered a vicious beating.
"He has been permanently blinded and sustained other serious injuries as a result of the incident," prosecutors said in statement, noting that the victim wished to remain anonymous.
Authorities haven't released many details of the attack, but did say the victim was specifically targeted because he is gay, CBS News reported.
A fourth person, 25-year-old Vladyslav Makarenko, was transferred from Alabama to the Broward County jail system on Monday. Prosecutors are reviewing the case against him and formal charges have not been filed at this time.
The family is described as Ukrainian refugees who run successful door and interior design renovation businesses, the Miami Herald reported. An online petition in their support says the family is being falsely accused.
"These could result in a life-in-prison-sentence in the United States for every accused family member or Deportation back to Ukraine - where an excruciating war is happening right now," the petition reads. "The accusations are completely false and need to be defeated and ultimately dismissed!"
All four Makarenkos are jailed without bond as an investigation by the Broward Sheriff's Office continues.
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