Pinoy hairdresser beaten into coma by teens dies
Written by Administrator
Friday, 02 December 2011 22:23
The late Danny Vega.
SEATTLE — A 58-year-old South Seattle Filipino salon owner died of serious injuries Sunday
morning, two weeks after being beaten unconscious by a group of teens.
Danny Vega’s family believes he was targeted in a hate crime.
1/3
Pinoy hairdresser beaten into coma by teens dies
Written by Administrator
Friday, 02 December 2011 22:23
A well-known figure in the Filipino-American community here, Vega, an openly gay, was
reportedly taking a walk around 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 15, when three teens attacked him from
behind.
The crime occurred on South Othello Street near Martin Luther King Jr. Way, about four blocks
from Vega’s home, where he also operates Danny Vega’s Hair Design for the last three
decades, according to a police report.
Vega was able to walk home and call 911, according to Seattle police.
He reportedly told officers he lost consciousness during the assault.
He was later taken to Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, police said.
“My uncle said they (suspects) just kept beating him and that he was unconscious for 30 to 45
minutes before he woke up and walked home, where he called police,” Vega’s niece, Melanie,
told King 5 News.
Seattle Fire Department responded to Vega’s call and treated him before transporting him to the
hospital.
Police said the young suspects took Vega’s cell phone, house keys and several personal items
before fleeing the scene.
The unidentified teens are still at large.
Vega was hospitalized with severe injuries to his kidneys, liver and brain.
2/3
Pinoy hairdresser beaten into coma by teens dies
Written by Administrator
Friday, 02 December 2011 22:23
He fell into a coma and was put on life-support for 12 days, according to reports.
Family, friends and neighbors held a vigil for Vega Saturday night at Othello and Martin Luther
King Way in the Rainier Valley.
Police said they are investigating the assault as robbery and not as a hate crime due to lack of
evidence.
Vega’s family believes it was a hate-related crime because of the victim’s sexual orientation.
“Whoever saw this happen please, please call 911...please call if you see what happened,” said
Melanie.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Homicide and Assault Unit at
206.233.5000.
3/3