A man with a swastika tattoo was convicted on Monday for threatening a pregnant Black woman in Fullerton, California. Tyson Theodore Mayfield, a self-identified skinhead, now faces a prison sentence of at least 38 years. This harsh sentence comes after the Orange County District Attorney, Todd Spitzer, appealed an earlier ruling that sentenced Mayfield to just five years, which he deemed too lenient.
The incident occurred nearly seven years ago when Mayfield confronted the woman while she was waiting for a bus. He threatened her life and her unborn child, using racial slurs. After initially fleeing, the woman reported the threats to the police. When she returned to the bus stop, Mayfield approached her again, leading her to seek refuge in a nearby restaurant and call the police once more. Authorities eventually arrested him.
Mayfield’s guilty plea included two felony counts: one for making a hate crime threat and another for criminal threats. Initially, he was offered a two-year sentence, but after various court disputes and community pressure, the sentence was extended significantly. The appeals court supported Spitzer’s argument that the original judge had made a mistake by dropping one of Mayfield’s prior convictions, which could have subjected him to California’s three-strikes law.
In a statement, Spitzer expressed relief that the jury recognized the severity of Mayfield’s actions. He emphasized the need for justice for the victim, who was simply targeted because of her race. Mayfield, now 49, has a history of violent offenses, including previous convictions for assault and hate crimes.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about hate crimes and the legal system’s response to them. Spitzer’s office, along with advocacy groups, is committed to ensuring that such threats are taken seriously and that justice is served for victims of racial violence. Mayfield’s sentencing is set for August 29, where he will receive his final term.