A New York jury has convicted Dmitriy Popov, 20, of first-degree manslaughter as a hate crime in the killing of O’Shae Sibley, a 28-year-old Black gay dancer whose death shocked the nation in 2023. The verdict comes nearly three years after Sibley was fatally stabbed during a confrontation at a Brooklyn gas station while he and friends were dancing and voguing to music after a day at the beach.
Prosecutors argued that Popov and others directed racist and anti-gay slurs toward Sibley and his friends before the encounter escalated. They said the attack was fueled by bias and hatred toward Sibley for openly expressing himself as a Black gay man. The jury ultimately agreed, finding Popov guilty of manslaughter as a hate crime, along with additional charges including menacing, aggravated harassment, and weapon possession. He was acquitted of the more serious charge of murder as a hate crime.
During the trial, Popov claimed he acted in self-defense and denied using racist or homophobic language. Prosecutors countered that the evidence showed a pattern of taunting and hostility before the stabbing occurred. The jury deliberated for several days before reaching its verdict.
Sibley was a respected dancer and member of New York’s ballroom community. Friends and family described him as a joyful performer who brought people together through dance. His death sparked national outrage, vigils across New York City, and tributes from public figures, including Beyoncé, whose music was playing during the incident.
The conviction arrives during Pride Month and has been viewed by many LGBTQ advocates and civil rights organizations as a significant moment of accountability. Sentencing is scheduled for June 30, and Popov faces a potential prison term of up to 25 years.
