The murder of a teenager who listened to rap music should be considered a hate crime, according to activists

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Witnesses told police that they had not witnessed any clashes before the attack. One witness said that Adams had not even spoken to Al-Amin before stabbing him, according to the statement.

Adams is white and Al-Amin was black, white and Latin, according to his mother.

Activists and civil rights groups used the hashtag #JusticeForElijah to demand hate crime charges against Adams.

Senator Cory Booker, also a Democratic presidential candidate, called on the US Department of Justice to launch an investigation into hate crimes.

"Another of our children has been murdered in a hateful and unprovoked way – the DOJ must immediately investigate this hate-motivated crime." RIP Elijah. #JusticeForElijah, "he tweeted.

Human Rights Campaign, a civil rights group called "a thorough investigation at the highest level. "

Adams was arrested while he was moving away from the store. Police saw blood on him and found a pocket knife when they searched him, according to the documents.

Adams was released from prison two days ago, after serving his sentence for aggravated assault and other charges, according to documents from the Maricopa County Superior Court.

In an interview with a detective, Adams said he had stabbed Al-Amin in the back and slit his throat, according to the statement.

Adams told the police that Al-Amin had not done anything threatening, but that the youth had been listening to rap in his car on the parking lot, according to the statement.

Adams said that rap music endangered him because he had already been attacked by people (black, Hispanic and Native American) listening to rap music, Adams added that those who listened to him were threatening him. community, "says the document.

He was charged on Monday with first-degree murder with premeditation and is in detention instead of a $ 1 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 15.

Prosecutors have 60 days from the appearance date to file a notice if they intend to apply for the death penalty under the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Arizona does not have a separate charge for "hate crime," according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. If Adams is convicted, prosecutors could request an increase in hate crimes when sentencing, which could lead to a harsher sentence.

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