Reports from Oklahoma City indicate that two teenagers are in custody while authorities continue to search for several others involved in a vicious attack on a homeless man. The incident, which occurred on May 26, left the victim, Tilman Shannon, severely injured after being assaulted by a large group of teens.
Surveillance footage captured the assault, showing the group of teens verbally harassing Shannon from a vehicle before physically attacking him near a dumpster in a parking lot.
One of the most disturbing aspects of the attack was the involvement of 19-year-old Veronica Benavente, who reportedly streamed the assault on her Instagram account, using racist language towards Shannon. The group of teens involved in the attack numbered around nine individuals.
The severity of the assault escalated when the teens forcibly removed Shannon’s colostomy bag, causing significant trauma and injuries. Despite the severity of the attack, Shannon is expected to survive after receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Residents in the area expressed shock and concern over the incident, with one long-time resident mentioning the presence of gangs in the neighborhood. Authorities have arrested Benavente and another suspect, Eric Villagomez, while continuing to search for four additional suspects identified in the video footage.
Benavente is facing charges of aggravated assault and battery, accessory to crime, and conspiracy to commit a felony, with a bond set at $150,000. Villagomez is charged with aggravated assault and battery, maiming, and conspiracy to commit a felony, with a bond of $100,000.
Despite the arrests, police are still actively investigating the case and are withholding further information from the public.
