Man Pleads Guilty to Hate Crime Against Elderly Neighbor
Christian Lentz has entered a guilty but mentally ill plea regarding a violent attack on his 77-year-old Filipino-American neighbor, Amadeo Quindara.
Details of the Incident
The attack occurred in 2023 when Lentz confronted Quindara inside his garage. Just prior to this incident, Lentz had instructed Quindara and his wife to “speak English” while they conversed in Tagalog with other Filipino neighbors.
On May 30, Lentz allegedly threatened Quindara with serious bodily harm, stating that he would “put him on a ventilator.” He then assaulted Quindara, punching him repeatedly and slamming him to the ground. Quindara’s wife found him unconscious in a pool of blood. Medical evaluations later revealed he suffered from a brain hematoma.
Plea and Sentencing Details
On April 21, Lentz admitted guilt to charges of residential burglary motivated by bias and abuse against an older individual. His sentencing is set for July 21, during which the court will decide his fate following this significant plea agreement.
Under the terms of this agreement, Lentz will be kept separate from the general prison population until he is deemed stable by mental health professionals. Should he transition to the general population, he is required to continue receiving mental health treatment.
Mental Health Evaluation
Lentz underwent a mental health assessment and was found competent in July 2023. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the offense alongside the mental health considerations influencing Lentz’s actions.