Sentencing Delayed in Racial Attack

A Ventura County Municipal Court judge issued a two-week postponement Wednesday for sentencing of a 23-year-old man who participated in the racially motivated beating of a black man a year ago.

Jefferson Byrd was found guilty last month of the assault that severed a portion of 26-year-old James Wilson’s ear and left him with hearing and vision problems.

Judge Roland Purnell postponed the sentencing to give Byrd’s attorney, Zane Smith, a chance to file a motion for a new trial, based on testimony from new witnesses.

Byrd was found guilty of leading several party-goers in the attack on Wilson, during which racial epithets were also yelled.

A large portion of Wilson’s ear was cut off after he was hit with a beer bottle. The attack also left him $45,000 in debt because his inner-ear problems prevented him from continuing to work as an underwater oil-rig diver.

While free on recognizance, Byrd allegedly chased Wilson in a car last week. As a result, Byrd was returned to jail and the judge increased his bail to $250,000.

Wilson was present in the courtroom Wednesday, along with his girlfriend. Byrd’s parents and wife also attended, with the couple’s baby, who was born on Monday.

The judge will hear the new motion on June 4.