A 15-year-old boy in Massachusetts admitted to a racially motivated attack where he tried to drown a Black teenager and called him racial slurs, including referring to him as “George Floyd” because he struggled to breathe.
What Happened
On July 19, 2023, the incident occurred at Goose Pond in Chatham, Massachusetts. According to prosecutors, the suspect, John P. Sheeran, met the 15-year-old victim and another boy at the pond. Upon arriving, Sheeran picked up a stone, threatened the victim, and used a racial slur against him... Continue reading here ▶
Before going into the water, the victim, who did not know how to swim, put on a life jacket and asked the boys not to push or splash him. Once in the water, Sheeran reportedly grabbed the victim’s life jacket and forced him underwater four to five times, causing him to struggle for air.
Another boy laughed during the attack and called the victim “George Floyd.” Sheeran also tried to pull the victim underwater by grabbing his feet.
The attack ended when another juvenile on the beach intervened, helping the victim to safety.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Sheeran pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. He is being charged as a “youthful offender,” which means the court could sentence him as an adult. Massachusetts law allows juveniles aged 14 to 17 to face adult penalties for serious crimes like this.
Sheeran’s plea deal includes a suspended three-year sentence, 20 hours of monthly community service, participation in a behavioral education program, and writing an apology to the victim. However, the judge has the option to reject this deal and impose a harsher sentence. If that happens, Sheeran can proceed to trial in March 2025.
Another teenager involved in the incident is facing juvenile charges, and their identity has not been released.
Additional Details
The victim told police that Sheeran began the attack by throwing rocks and using racial slurs as soon as he arrived at the pond. During the attack, the victim was submerged multiple times and struggled to breathe.
A bystander who witnessed the incident said Sheeran and the other boy smirked as they attacked the victim.
On the same evening, Sheeran also reportedly hit an Asian child in the face and used racial slurs against him.
Sentencing
Sheeran will appear in court for sentencing on February 5, 2025. His lawyer argued that the charges were exaggerated and described the incident as “horseplay” that got out of hand.
The investigation is ongoing, and the court will decide whether Sheeran will face harsher penalties for his actions.
