Video: Black-Jewish tension flares, as Werdesheims plead not-guilty to beating black teen
Above: Avi and Eliyahu Werdesheim arrive at the Mitchell Courthouse, where the pleaded not guilty in Baltimore Circuit Court to beating a black teenager last fall as he walked through their neighborhood in Park Heights.
After running a gauntlet of supporters and protesters, brothers Avi and Eliyahu Werdesheim, two members of the Jewish citizens patrol group Shomrin, arrived at Baltimore Circuit Court Wednesday and pleaded “not guilty” to the beating of a black teenager in their Park Heights neighborhood last November.
The two groups set up their positions on North Calvert Street near the Mitchell Court House. Supporters chanted the brothers’ first names and carried signs that said “We love U Avi” and “Thank you for protecting us.” Another group held yellow signs that said “Stop Racist Attacks.”
Avi Werdesheim, 20, and Eliyahu Werdesheim, 23, are charged with false imprisonment, second-degree assault and possession of a deadly weapon, charges that could bring them each up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Trial date in the case is set for May 2.
Videographer Bill Hughes captured some footage of the scene outside the courthouse and this article in The Baltimore Sun has a description of the crowd and background on the case.
To see the full slide show of Bill Hughes’ photos from outside the courthouse, go here.
Cheering sympathizers chanted "Avi and Eli!" as the Werdesheims walked into the courthouse in downtown Baltimore Wednesday. (Photo by William Hughes.)
Protesters said they were angry about what they called "racist attacks" against blacks in Park Heights and said the Werdesheims were being treated too leniently (Photo by William Hughes)