Man, 62, faces charges in alleged violent hate crime

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Monday morning marked the beginning of jury selection in the matter of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts versus Eddie Smith.

According to court documents, on Dec. 3, 2019, 62-year-old Smith attacked a victim with a shovel and boxcutter after insulting their sexual orientation.

Officials said Smith struck the victim in the head with a snow shovel and slashed their face with a boxcutter on Tremont and Prentiss Streets.

WCVB reports that Smith, of Boston, fled the scene on foot but was apprehended in the area of Shawmut Avenue and Dudley Square.

The victim reported having prior interactions with Smith where their sexual orientation was allegedly the target of multiple slurs.

Smith faces two charges of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, one count of mayhem and one count of civil rights violations with injury.

WCVB contributed to this report.