Man gets 22 years in prison for hate crime killing of an Asian man

A man who admitted fatally beating a 61 year old collecting cans in New York because he was Asian has been sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the sentence on Friday, reported the New York Times.

“No one should have to fear that they may be in danger because of their background,” Bragg said.

The sentencing of Jarrod Powell for the killing of Yao Pan Ma came as part of a plea deal following a guilty plea, according to CNN.

Prosecutors say Powell came from behind and struck him in the back and kicked Ma in the head several times, leaving him unconscious.

Ma lay in a coma for eight months before he died.

“His family endured an agonizing eight months in the hospital while the devoted husband and father of two remained in a vegetative state, before succumbing to his injuries on December 31, 2021,” Bragg said, according to NY1.

RELATED: Harlem remembers Yao Pan Ma, killed while collecting cans

Ma was a recent immigrant and an out-of-work restaurant worker who lost his job during the pandemic. He collected cans to support his family.

Bragg said he has 39 cases still open related to anti-Asian hate crimes.

The killing of Ma was one of several high-profile cases in New York which also including the killings of Christina Yuna Lee and Michelle Go.

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