Orlando Man Arrested, Charged For Homophobic Attack at Gay Couple's Home

An Orlando man was arrested for cutting the power at a gay couple's home and then violently attacking one of the men outside, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.

Damiek Jones, age 31, is being held in Volusia County Branch Jail on $25,500 bail. On Monday, he was arrested and charged with committing a second-degree misdemeanor with prejudice, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a Schedule IV substance. The police report also notes that Jones "committed the crime with prejudice based on the sexual orientation of the victim."

Police were called to the New Smyrna Beach of a gay couple where a stabbing took place on Sunday at 11:16 p.m. The victim and his boyfriend were at home when the power was cut. When the victim stepped outside to check the circuit breaker, he was hit in the head with what police believe were brass knuckles. After falling to the ground, the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times in the back of his legs. The victim also had a cut on his head.

At one point during the attack, Jones' face mask came off and the victim recognized his assailant. Apparently, Jones was aware that the victim had surveillance cameras on premises, likely the reason why he cut power to the house.

Police investigation found a chisel, which is believed to be what Jones used to stab the victim, as well as a red bandana, a hat and scarf near the weapon; also a backpack with meth, pills, drug paraphernalia, nunchucks, and a journal detailing Jones' hatred of LGBTQ people and specifically naming his victims. The police report states that in one journal passage, Jones wrote "I now understand that to hate them all is a requirement. (The victim and boyfriend) and now (names two women), all of you shall have a moment of fate to look forward too."

Investigators said, "this is clearly referring to the victim and his boyfriend."