A man with a swastika tattoo has been convicted of threatening a pregnant Black woman in Orange County, California. Tyson Theodore Mayfield, a self-identified skinhead, faces a significant prison sentence of at least 38 years after a jury found him guilty of two felony charges, including a hate crime.
The incident occurred nearly seven years ago while the woman, referred to as Jane Doe in court documents, was waiting for a bus in Fullerton. Mayfield approached her, made threats, and used racial slurs. He even threatened the life of her unborn child, clenching his fists in aggression. After the woman fled and called the police, Mayfield returned to the scene and threatened her again. This time, she found refuge in a nearby restaurant and contacted law enforcement, who later arrested him.
Initially, Mayfield pleaded guilty to the charges and was given a five-year sentence, which many, including Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, deemed too lenient. Spitzer argued for a harsher punishment, stating that a five-year term would not adequately protect the community from someone with a history of violence and hate.
After an appeal by Spitzer, the case was revisited. The appeals court agreed that the original sentence was inappropriate, and Mayfield was retried. As a result, he will now serve a minimum of 38 years in prison.
Mayfield, who is now 49 years old, has a troubling history of violence and hate crimes. His prior convictions include felony assault and mayhem. The latest conviction has drawn attention from various advocacy groups, including the NAACP, who supported the victim throughout the legal process.
In a statement, Spitzer expressed relief that justice was served, emphasizing the need to hold accountable those who threaten others based on race. He remarked on the fear the victim experienced and reiterated the importance of protecting individuals from hate-fueled violence. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding hate crimes in society and the legal system’s role in addressing them.