DC Police investigating beating of yoga instructor, his partner - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

DC Police investigating beating of yoga instructor, his partner as hate crime

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Michael Joel Hall (left) and Michael Roike Michael Joel Hall (left) and Michael Roike
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WASHINGTON -

D.C. Police are investigating an attack on two gay men this weekend as a hate crime.

It happened just after midnight on Sunday morning on the 1900 block of 3rd Street in Northeast D.C.

Michael Joel Hall and his partner, Michael Roike, were jumped by a gang of men as they were walking home. The men had been dropped off near their home, when friends say they were ambushed.

The group severely beat Hall. His cheek was broken and he suffered other facial injuries. Roike was also beaten, but his injuries were far less severe.

Roike's mother, Michelle, says she is convinced the men would have been killed had it not been for a woman and her boyfriend who intervened. The attackers ran away with tone of the victim's cell phone.

Hall was taken to Howard University Hospital where he underwent surgery on Monday afternoon.

Hall is a well-known local yoga instructor.

His friends and students have set up a Facebook page and are also holding a fundraiser to help cover his hospital costs.

Friends say Hall recently lost his apartment in a fire and has no health insurance.

Police have made no arrests so far.

LINKS:

Friends of Michael Joel Hall and Michael Roike Facebook Page

http://bit.ly/MJHFund

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