OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Two teenagers are in custody while authorities continue to search for several more suspects involved in a vicious assault on a homeless man, identified as Tilman Shannon, who was left for dead. The incident, which took place on May 26, was captured on surveillance video and has shocked the local community.
The footage reveals a group of teens yelling and threatening Shannon from a vehicle before chasing him down and brutally beating him near a dumpster in a parking lot. Oklahoma City police have arrested Veronica Benavente, 19, and Eric Villagomez, 18, along with three other minors in connection to the attack.
The most disturbing aspect of the assault, according to Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Dillion Quirk, was that Benavente allegedly streamed the attack live on her Instagram page. The arrest affidavit states that Benavente was heard shouting racial slurs and expletives at Shannon during the beating. Police believe approximately nine teens were involved in the attack.
Quirk further detailed the brutality of the assault, noting that the teens even pulled out Shannon’s colostomy bag. Shannon sustained severe injuries and significant trauma but is expected to survive after being taken to a local hospital.
Local residents expressed their horror at the incident. “That is disgusting,” said Mike Martin, who has lived in the area for decades. “It’s not that common, but there are a lot of gangs around here.” Trisha Tyler, a five-year resident of the neighborhood, added, “That is so scary. This neighborhood isn’t usually all that dangerous.”
Benavente is currently held at the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a $150,000 bond, facing charges of aggravated assault and battery, accessory to crime, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Villagomez is also detained on a $100,000 bond, charged with aggravated assault and battery, maiming, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Police continue to search for four additional suspects seen in the video.