Man convicted in racist 2019 acid attack in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A jury has convicted a white Milwaukee man who was accused of throwing acid on a Latino man’s face throughout a racist assault in 2019.

Clifton Blackwell, 64, was found guilty Thursday of first-degree reckless damage, with a harmful weapon, as a hate crime. He faces as much as 20 years in prison at his sentencing May 18.

The jury rejected Blackwell’s argument that he acted in self-defense after arguing with Mahud Villalaz over road parking in November 2019 in Milwaukee. He accused Villalaz, who suffered second-degree burns, of being in the nation illegally and invading the United States.

Blackwell was ready for a bus when he informed Villalaz that he had parked his truck illegally in a bus cease zone exterior a restaurant, prosecutors said. The 2 might be seen on surveillance video, however not heard, and Blackwell may very well be seen retrieving an aluminum bottle from his satchel.

Villalaz moved his truck to another parking spot and headed again towards the restaurant. The 2 argued once more and Blackwell splashed the contents of the bottle, which was acidic drain cleaner, in Villalaz’s face.

Villalaz, 43, testified during the trial that his vision in his left eye has been completely affected.

Blackwell said he carried the drain cleaner for self-defense at evening as a result of he’s disabled, and had been attacked on the streets before. He mentioned he was scared when Villalaz bought so indignant, and splashed the liquid just as Villalaz made a fist and gave the impression to be about to strike him, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Villalaz is a U.S. citizen who immigrated from Peru. He testified he was angry at Blackwell for telling him he “invaded” his nation and may “return,” however didn’t need to hurt anyone.

Blackwell was taken into custody after the verdict.