Queens driver sentenced to 10 years for deadly road rage hate crime attack.

A motorist from Queens has been sentenced to a decade in prison following a hate-fueled incident that escalated from a minor traffic collision to a fatal assault. The incident occurred nearly two years ago and involved the death of 66-year-old Jasmer Singh, a Sikh man who was violently attacked by Gilbert Augustin after a fender bender on October 19, 2023.

Initially facing charges of manslaughter and assault categorized as hate crimes, Augustin ultimately pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree assault also classified as a hate crime. This plea allowed him to evade potentially more severe sentencing had he been convicted by a jury on the original manslaughter charge.

The confrontation unfolded when Augustin’s Mustang collided with Singh’s Toyota on the Van Wyck Expressway near Kew Gardens. Following the accident, Augustin approached Singh’s vehicle and was alleged to have directed derogatory remarks towards the victim, repeatedly referring to him as “turban man.” Witnesses reported that Augustin insisted on the exclusion of police involvement and even attempted to confiscate Singh’s cell phone.

As Singh exited his vehicle to reclaim his phone, Augustin unleashed a series of punches, knocking Singh to the ground. The impact of the fall resulted in severe head trauma, leading to Singh’s death the following day in the hospital.

The initial reluctance among law enforcement to charge Augustin with hate crimes shifted due to public outcry from the Sikh community, which galvanized support through social media campaigns. Following a grand jury investigation, authorities reexamined the case, leading to the imposition of hate crime charges.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz expressed hope that the sentence would offer some degree of solace to Singh’s family and send a clear message against hate in one of the nation’s most diverse boroughs. In addition to the prison term, Augustin has received a five-year post-release supervision stipulation following his release.

In court, Augustin asserted that he did not harbor any bigotry towards Singh, claiming familial support and maintaining that he is “not a hateful person.” Despite these assertions, the gravity of the incident and the hate crime designation signify a serious societal concern regarding racially motivated violence. The Singh case continues to emphasize the critical dialogue surrounding hate crimes and community safety in urban settings.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing hate crimes and ensuring justice for victims impacted by racially motivated violence, sparking discussions within both the local community and broader societal frameworks.