I suspect that is was race aggravated, but not racially motivated per se. In the end, the victim's race / ethnicity could well of led to the perpetrator being willing to drastically increase the level of violence.
As a side note, one of the trouble with establishing hate motivation is that it requires trying to prove the perpetrators state of mind. Which, unless the vocalize it, can be pretty hard.
For example, there were indications of race based motivations in the following cases in my city, but prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence for hate crime charges as they could not prove the perpetrators state of mind:
- Documented gang member is staying in a house displaying anti black symbolism (stuffed monkeys hanging in trees). Residents stated that others living in house often intimidated blacks passing by. Perpetrator flies into a killing rage when informed that a black tow truck driver was re-possessing his beloved ride. He then chases and kills the tow truck driver.
- Robbery crew targets Hispanic victims. Footage shows crew bypassing potential victims of other races. Hispanic victims said crew got very violent- very fast if there was any failure to understand rapid street English. Crew's crime culminates in the home invasion rape / murder of a non English speaking Hispanic victim after expected cash from business was not present.
