Cape Girardeau hate crime suspect waives preliminary hearing

Mercedes Ayers, the 17-year-old charged with a hate crime for allegedly assaulting one of her neighbors, waived her preliminary hearing Thursday morning.

At a preliminary hearing, a judge hears evidence from the prosecution to determine if there's enough evidence for Ayers to stand trial. Defendants commonly waive the hearings, which only allow for the prosecution, and not the defense, to present its case.

Waiving the hearing means that Ayers' case will proceed to trial.

Ayers is accused in the July 24 assault of Jeana Terry. Terry maintains that Ayers pulled her from her home and into the street with the intent to beat her up because she is gay. Terry says she was attacked by Ayers and at least two other juveniles, who beat, stomped and kicked her while making anti-gay remarks.

Look for more on this story later at www.semissourian.com and in Friday's Southeast Missourian.