Mother claims son was racially profiled in alleged assault case

She calls for harsher punishment as suspect faces multiple charges

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — The mother of a 15-year-old is voicing concerns after she says her son was racially profiled, as the alleged suspect faces assault, menacing, and wanton endangerment charges.

Shocking video shows an alleged chase and assault through a residential neighborhood. Nicole Gilkey says her 15-year-old son, Malachi, is shown being chased in the video.

“He was simply walking to his friend’s house to go pick his friend up, when he was walking across the street and these men saw him, they jumped out at him, one started chasing him with his truck,” Gilkey said.

According to court records, 32-year-old Anthony Thurman was arrested on assault, menacing, and wanton endangerment charges. Court records show Thurman allegedly chased the victim with a hunting knife and tackled him to the ground.

Gilkey says along with those charges, she believes the alleged attack was racially motivated.

“There were three kids there, three were Black. They were going to pick up their friend who was white. When they went to go chase, he did not chase after the other kid. He only chased after my son, his brother, and his brother’s cousin,” said Gilkey.

Meanwhile, ABC 36 received a statement from Thurman’s attorney that says:

“My client deeply regrets the events that occurred and the harm that the victim and his family are experiencing. It was never his intention to cause injury or distress, and he understands the seriousness of the situation. It was everyone’s understanding that an agreement had been reached at the previous court date. We received an offer from the Government and accepted it. Now that offer has been taken away. The information we received was that everyone was in agreement with that negotiated resolution.  It was our hope that this case would come to an end today and amends could start to take place. My client wants to emphasize that he would never intentionally discriminate against anyone. He respects and values every member of this community. He understands how this situation is being perceived, and he regrets the events that took place. Because, unfortunately this matter is still ongoing, he cannot comment any further at this time.” – Derrick Harris Law

Thurman was set for a pre-trial hearing, but it was ultimately passed. Gilkey was prepared to give a victim impact statement at the hearing, but she never gave that statement.

“The prosecutor did let me know that the plea deal that was offered to Anthony has been revoked. While I am grateful today the offer for these men has been rejected,” she said “this case is bigger than just jail or no jail. The events that occurred could have turned out differently,” Gilkey said.

Thurman’s attorney says he cannot provide further comment as the case is still ongoing. Thurman’s next court date is scheduled for March 31.