Authorities say six teenagers are now charged with murder as a hate crime in the beating and stomping of an 18-year-old perceived to be gay.
Anthony Collao of Bethpage, on Long Island, was attacked in March while leaving a birthday party in Woodhaven, Queens.
Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said Thursday the defendants are each charged in a 21-count indictment that includes second-degree murder as a hate crime. Brown said the charges were upgraded after new evidence from witnesses.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said previously that the suspects made "homophobic remarks'' and scrawled on a wall with red markers after crashing the party.
The defendants could face up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
