Man convicted in racist 2019 acid assault in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A jury has convicted a white Milwaukee man who was accused of throwing acid on a Latino man’s face during a racist attack in 2019.

Clifton Blackwell, 64, was found guilty Thursday of first-degree reckless harm, with a dangerous weapon, as a hate crime. He faces up to 20 years in jail at his sentencing May 18.

The jury rejected Blackwell’s argument that he acted in self-defense after arguing with Mahud Villalaz over road parking in November 2019 in Milwaukee. He accused Villalaz, who suffered second-degree burns, of being within the country illegally and invading the US.

Blackwell was waiting for a bus when he informed Villalaz that he had parked his truck illegally in a bus stop zone exterior a restaurant, prosecutors mentioned. The two might be seen on surveillance video, however not heard, and Blackwell may very well be seen retrieving an aluminum bottle from his satchel.

Villalaz moved his truck to a different parking spot and headed back toward the restaurant. The 2 argued once more and Blackwell splashed the contents of the bottle, which was acidic drain cleaner, in Villalaz’s face.

Villalaz, 43, testified through the trial that his vision in his left eye has been completely affected.

Blackwell mentioned he carried the drain cleaner for self-defense at night because he’s disabled, and had been attacked on the streets earlier than. He mentioned he was scared when Villalaz obtained so indignant, and splashed the liquid just as Villalaz made a fist and appeared to be about to strike him, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Villalaz is a U.S. citizen who immigrated from Peru. He testified he was indignant at Blackwell for telling him he “invaded” his nation and may “go back,” but didn’t wish to harm anyone.

Blackwell was taken into custody after the verdict.