Hate-crime trial: Prosecutor Argues That Scott ‘Led the Attack’ Against Jose Sucuzhanay

Moments ago, the prosecution finished its closing argument in the trial against Hakim Scott for his role in the alleged hate-crime murder of an Ecuadorian immigrant. Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill told jurors that Scott played an integral role in the death of Jose Sucuzhanay on December 7, 2008. “Who was the first one out of the car? The defendant. Who led the attack? The defendant.” McNeill told jurors. The defense argued earlier in the morning that Scott only hit Sucuzhanay once with the bottle, indicating the real culprit in the alleged hate-crime murder is Scott’s friend and co-defendant Keith Phoenix. But McNeill said both men were responsible. “It’s their murder. They’re working together,” she said. Jeannette Neumann will continue to update us throughout the day from the Brooklyn Supreme Court.