Lexington Man Guilty in Racist Seaport Assault
BOSTON, May 21, 2021— A Suffolk Superior Court jury found KHALID KALILA, 31, of Lexington, guilty of mayhem, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and civil rights violation with injury.
Assistant District Attorneys Kerry Feeney and Lynn Feigenbaum introduced evidence and testimony to prove that Mr. Kalila was present at Empire restaurant on January 21, 2018, when he began to assail a patron with racial slurs, becoming physically aggressive. Mr. Kalila was born in Morocco and the patron was Black.
A Black restaurant employee attempted to deescalate the racist encounter and ultimately remove Mr. Kalila from the restaurant. That individual was employed as a member of the Empire’s security staff and responded to assist his colleagues with Mr. Kalila. As he attempted to help his colleagues escort Mr. Kalila out, Mr. Kalila smashed a highball glass over the Black employee’s head and then used the broken glass to stab his face. During the bloody encounter, Mr. Kalila repeatedly threatened to kill the Black employee and hurled racial slurs at him.
“We do not tolerate hate or bigotry in Suffolk County. Khalid Kalila, in a racist attack, inflicted physical and emotional injuries that could impact this victim for the rest of his life. The conviction holds Mr. Kalila accountable for his disgraceful, hate-filled, and violent actions, but it does not reverse the harm he inflicted,” District Attorney Rachael Rollins said. “Hate crimes harm victims as well as entire targeted communities. My office is available to provide resources and support to victims and communities impacted by discrimination, bigotry and acts fueled by hate.”
During Mr. Kalila’s struggle with restaurant staff, his brother, OTHMANE KALILA, inserted himself into the altercation. He grabbed the victim from behind and placed him into a chokehold. Othmane Kalila was charged with a single count of assault and battery. He entered into a plea in October 2020 and the case was continued without a finding.
The victim was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. As a result of the attack, he lost sight in one eye for several months and suffered lasting nerve damage to the left side of his face. More than three years after the attack, the victim continues to suffer from paralysis on one side of his face.
Nicole Bresnahan is the assigned Victim Witness Advocate. The prosecution was assisted by investigator Mikayla Luciw. Mr. Kalila was represented by Dan Gaudet and Jay Carney. Sentencing before Judge Michael Ricciuti is scheduled to take place on May 27, 2021 at the Suffolk Superior Courthouse in courtroom 815.
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.