Young SC Man Killed in Hate Crime

GREENVILLE COUNTY, SC -- A 20 year old South Carolina man died from the injuries he received after he was knocked down on his way home from a bar early Wednesday morning and police is treating the case as a hate crime.

Sean William Kennedy, 20, was leaving Brew's Bar in Greenville County, South Carolina, when a car pulled up next to him. Deputies believe 18 year old Stephen Andrew Moller jumped out of the car, punched Kennedy, and then took off.

Kennedy fell to the ground, and probably hit his head on the parking lot pavement or a curb. Kennedy died from his injuries less than 24 hours later.

Friends of Kennedy told WYYF News 4 that they think the alleged assault was a hate crime because Kennedy was openly gay.

Master Deputy Michael Hildebrand said the case has been turned over to the FBI who will determine whether or not to proceed with a hate crime investigation. South Carolina doesn't have a statute that covers hate crimes, so a federal agency would have to make the charges, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Hildebrand said that witnesses and 'other investigative means' led investigators to Moller. Through the investigation, deputies believe that Moller made a comment about Kennedy's sexual orientation either before or during the assault, according to Hildebrand and the warrant.

Moller is being detained without bond at Greenville County Detention Center.