A federal judge in Texas denied bail on Friday for Conrad Barrett, 27, as he awaits trial, charged with a hate crime punishable by 10 years in federal prison, the Houston Chronicle reports. Barrett is accused of videotaping himself punching a 79-year-old black man after spending a week “hunting for African-Americans to prey on.” U.S. Magistrate Frances Stacy said she was concerned about Barrett being free after hearing about the “vicious” crime.
Barrett’s attorney, George Parnham, argued that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was off his medication when he used his cell phone to record an apparently random attack. Investigators said Barrett can be heard on the video he recorded laughing and saying “knockout” after hitting the victim, who has not been identified.