Brooklyn Teen, Dmitriy Popov Pleads Not Guilty in The Hate Crime Murder of Gay Black Dancer, O'Shae Sibley

A 17-year-old, who has been charged with committing a hate crime and murder, in the fatal stabbing of O'Shae Sibley, a gay Black dancer, at a Brooklyn gas station, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment.

The teenager, identified as Dmitriy Popov, entered his plea in the State Supreme Court in Brooklyn, where he will face trial as an adult. 

If found guilty of murder, he could potentially receive a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

The inclusion of a hate crime charge could elevate the minimum sentence from 15 years to 20 years.

The incident, for which Mr. Popov stands accused, occurred on July 29. 

O'Shae Sibley, aged 28, and his friends stopped at a gas station in Brooklyn's Midwood area after spending time at the beach. 

While the group was dancing to a Beyoncé song, another set of individuals began hurling homophobic and anti-Black slurs at them. 

A witness informed authorities that Mr. Popov stabbed Mr. Sibley. 

Following the incident, Mr. Popov, residing in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn, was arrested a few days later.

Justice Craig S. Walker ruled that Mr. Popov, dressed in a bright blue hoodie, black jogging pants, and white sneakers, would remain in custody without bail at a juvenile detention center. 

The judge also cautioned the teenager to steer clear of any further legal troubles. Mr. Popov is expected to return to court on October 10.

Following the arraignment, Mr. Popov's attorney, Mark Pollard, indicated that they might pursue a self-defense argument during the trial. 

Mr. Pollard noted that surveillance footage of the fatal encounter showed Mr. Popov recording the incident and retreating as he was approached by individuals who were older and larger than him. 

While expressing regret for the outcome, Mr. Pollard stressed that this does not necessarily equate to guilt.

Mr. Popov's mother and grandmother were present in court but declined to communicate with reporters.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez held a press conference, stating that Mr. Sibley's death had prompted a widespread sense of grief both within and beyond New York. 

O'Shae Sibley, originally from Philadelphia, had relocated to New York to further his dance career. 

Friends revealed that he was preparing to audition for "The Lion King," one of his beloved Broadway musicals.

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