New York beating victim files $50 million lawsuit

Jet, June 23, 1997

The Black man who was allegedly beaten outside a Westhampton Beach, NY, nightclub during what appeared to be a racially motivated attack has filed a civil lawsuit for $50 million.

The suit seeks damages stemming from charges which include racial conspiracy, assault and battery and emotional distress, the victim's attorney said. The suit also charges the night club's owner with negligence.

Shane Daniels, now 22, was beaten with a car anti-theft device in the parking lot outside the nightclub last year (JET, June 17, 1996).

The men allegedly involved m the attack are White. An ex-New York City police detective, Constantine Chronis, 35, was initially charged in the attack, but prosecutors later said Chronis' acquaintance, Austin Offen, struck Daniels in the assault. Offen, 26, is charged with attempted murder. Chronis faces menacing charges.

Vincent DiFrancisco, 30, was charged with breaking the windows of a car belonging to one of Daniels' friends that night, New York Newsday reported. A fourth man, Frank DiMattia, 30, allegedly was with the group that night, but was not charged. The paper report that he is expected to be a key witness in the criminal trial.

All four men were named as defendants in Daniels' civil suit, Daniels' attorney said.

Edward Dougherty, the owner of the now-closed club, also was named in the suit for failing to take the proper security measures for the club's patrons.

Daniels, who was in a coma for days after the attack, is still undergoing occupational therapy up to three days a week.