© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

City Pulse reporter: attack may lead to hate crime measure

Heywood assailants photo
Lansing Police Department
Adrian Tupper (L) and Aaron Spyker have been sentenced to 17 to 55 years in prison on a variety of charges. Their attack on Todd Heywood was considered in sentencing.

Todd Heywood was assaulted and robbed in his home last year, possibly targeted because he’s gay. He writes about the attack in the Lansing City Pulse newspaper this week. Current State talks with Heywood about his story.

“This is how I’m going to die.” Toddy Heywood came to that grim realization last November when he was attacked and robbed in his Lansing home. Heywood is a reporter for the Lansing City Pulse. His attackers were two men he had met through a Craigslist ad seeking gay sex. His assailants were targeting gay men.

Adrian James Tupper and Aaron Christopher Spyker agreed to a plea bargain in connection with multiple charges and thereby avoided possible life prison sentences. Both were sentenced to 17 to 55 years in prison.

Today’s City Pulse includes Todd Heywood’s account of the attack and the aftermath. Heywood tells his story to Current State.

This story may be disturbing to some listeners.

Scott Pohl is a general assignment news reporter and produces news features and interviews. He is also an alternate local host on NPR's "Morning Edition."
Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!