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 during a racist assault in 2019.

Clifton Blackwell, 64, was found guilty Thursday of first-degree reckless injury, with a dangerous weapon, as a hate crime. He faces up to 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 avenue parking in November 2019 in Milwaukee. He accused Villalaz, who suffered second-degree burns, of being in the nation illegally and invading the US.

Blackwell was waiting for a bus when he advised Villalaz that he had parked his truck illegally in a bus cease zone exterior a restaurant, prosecutors mentioned. The two could possibly be seen on surveillance video, but not heard, and Blackwell may very well be seen retrieving an aluminum bottle from his satchel.

Villalaz moved his truck to a different 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 permanently affected.

Blackwell stated he carried the drain cleaner for self-defense at night as a result of he’s disabled, and had been attacked on the streets earlier than. He mentioned he was scared when Villalaz obtained so angry, and splashed the liquid just as Villalaz made a fist and appeared 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 offended at Blackwell for telling him he “invaded” his country and may “go back,” however didn’t wish to harm anybody.

Blackwell was taken into custody after the decision.