Phoenix Man Brutally Assaulted and Left for Dead in Apparent Hate Crime
A Phoenix man was subjected to a horrific and brutal assault, leaving him with severe injuries and ultimately leading to his death. The family of 49-year-old Jake Kelly found him lying on his own driveway in the 2400 block of East John Cabot Road in Phoenix, suffering from blunt force trauma. Shockingly, he did not receive any medical attention until the next day.
According to Jake’s mother, Jan Kelly, her son’s injuries were extensive and disturbing. His face had been wired together, requiring an eight-hour reconstructive surgery. He suffered from skull fractures, swollen eyes, broken bones in his face and ribs, as well as claw-like markings down his arm.
Questions surrounding the timeline of the attack and the delay in calling 911 have left the family seeking answers. Although Sergeant Brian Bower of the Phoenix Police Department revealed that Jake was discovered on the driveway on August 27, the emergency call was not made until August 28 at 5:30 p.m. It was the hospital that alerted the police about a patient who had been assaulted and left on the driveway the previous night.
While investigations are ongoing, the police are looking for more information from neighbors and anyone living in the vicinity of the crime scene. Detectives are striving to determine who found Jake on the driveway and what led to the vicious assault he endured.
Jan Kelly has expressed concerns that her son’s sexual orientation may have played a role in the attack. Jake was a gay man, and recent conversations with individuals close to the family have fueled her belief that his sexuality may have been a motivating factor.
When asked if this case is being considered a hate crime, Sergeant Bower responded that nothing has been ruled out. The police are committed to following every lead and tip they receive, regardless of where it may lead them. They are determined to fully investigate the incident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Tragically, Jake Kelly succumbed to his injuries and passed away on September 8, just over a week and a half after the assault took place. The loss of another life due to this senseless act of violence has deeply impacted the community and added urgency to the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to come forward and contact Silent Witness. Tips can be anonymously reported to Silent Witness at 480-W-I-T-N-E-S-S (480-948-6377) or 480-T-E-S-T-I-G-O (for Spanish speakers). Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted through the Silent Witness website at silentwitness.org. Remember, you can remain completely anonymous, and providing valuable information may lead to a cash reward and the arrest and indictment of the suspect(s) involved in this heinous crime.
As the investigation continues, both the local community and the wider public await justice for Jake Kelly. The hope is that this case will serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle against prejudice and violence, while highlighting the need for greater acceptance and understanding in society.
