NYPD arrests suspect in Fil-Am writer’s attack

A week after Randy Gener was beaten up and left for dead on a street in Manhattan, a suspect was arrested last Tuesday by the NYPD. Gener is a Fil-Am theater writer and lecturer who was here two years ago to receive a Pamana Ng Pilipino Presidential Award from Pres. Noynoy Aquino at Malacañang Palace.

“The CCTV was a big help,” said Funfare’s Big Apple correspondent Edmund Silvestre in his follow-up report. “At bilib talaga ako sa bilis ng New York Police.”   

The NYPD has charged the suspect, Leighton Jennings, 24, of St. Albans, Queens, New York, for the assault near Times Square last Jan. 17 that left Gener with severe brain injury, found unconscious on the street.

According to the police, Jennings had been seen by witnesses and on surveillance video engaged in a confrontation with Gener, 46, shortly before the assault, around 3 a.m. near the corner of 54th Street and Seventh Avenue.

It appeared that the confrontation, investigators said, began when Gener inadvertently bumped into a woman as he walked along the sidewalk coming from a theater. A dispute between them grew heated, prompting Jennings (reported to be the woman’s friend and was in a car parked nearby) to get out and come to the aid of the woman. He allegedly kicked and punched Gener in the face.

“Investigators said Gener fell to the pavement, cracking his skull,” Edmund quoted a police report. “The suspect then fled in the four-door silver vehicle.”

Bloodied and unconscious, Gener was taken to St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital where he underwent surgery for a fractured skull and swelling in his brain. Doctors told NBC they had to remove a portion of his skull to allow his brain to swell.

Still recovering in the neuro ICU, Gener, according to his family, remembers little about the incident and is scheduled for additional surgery.

Added Edmund, “Police immediately ruled out robbery since Gener’s wallet, cellfone and gold necklace were not taken. He was reportedly just feet away from his apartment building at the time of the attack.”

The NYPD hate-crimes unit had looked into the case since Gener is openly gay, but determined there was nothing to indicate that bias was a motivation for the attack, officials said.

Charged with second-degree assault, Jennings was in police custody awaiting arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court. It was unclear how cops were able to arrest Jennings and if he already has an attorney.

Edmund said that Jenning’s mother, Ellen Wilson, told the New York Daily News she was stunned by the accusations. She said she came home from work just in time to see her son getting led out of their home in handcuffs.

“From the depths of my heart, I didn’t know. I knew nothing,” the woman was quoted as saying. “I would never think something like that of him. He’s very loving. He’s very caring. He’s very mannered.”

She said her son moved back a few days ago after a brief stint living with his girlfriend, Wilson said.

“Meanwhile,” assured Edmund, “friends and supporters of Gener have so far raised $55,000 to help cover medical bills. They’re hoping to raise $20,000 more through the online fundraising site YouCaring.com. Gener’s husband Stephen Nisbet and sister Jessica Blair-Driessler issued the following statement…”

The family of Randy Gener would like to thank all of the people who have helped move along the investigation. We are thankful to the New York Police Department, particularly the Hate Crimes Task Force, for conducting a thorough and swift investigation. We are eternally grateful to the community (particularly the Filipino American and arts communities) for raising awareness about this incident, for showing solidarity and generosity through organizing vigils and events, and for creating a fund to support ongoing medical expenses. Finally, we are thankful for all who have benevolently offered their services, particularly the New York City Anti-Violence Project. We are pleased and relieved that a suspect has finally been apprehended and trust that the NYPD and District Attorney will make all efforts to bring justice for Randy. At this time, we are focusing on Randy’s healing and moving forward together as a family.

Gener is a multi-awarded writer, performer and active member of the Filipino community. He has written for such publications as The New York Times, National Public Radio, The Village Voice, New York Magazine, New York Daily News and Time Out New York, among others. 

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