NYPD disputes report that black teen's death was hate crime

NYPD is disputing a report that a Staten Island teen died last week from an asthma attack waqs chased by a racist mob, the AP reported.

Witnesses told the NY Daily News that Dayshen McKenzie, 16, was fleeing mostly white and Hispanic men shouting racial epithets and waving a gun.

No arrests were made and no charges were filed, and the NYPD now says that there is no evidence that he was a victim of a hate crime.

As he ran, McKenzie fell in a back yard on Spartan Ave. near Rosecliff Rd. in Mariners Harbor at about 4:15 p.m. May 27, reported the NY Post.

He died less than two hours later at Richmond University Medical Center.

According to published reports, an alleged witness, former police officer Diane Fatigat said she heard one of the pursuers use the word “n—–.”

The NY Post reported Friday that police are questioning her allegations after she failed to mention the racial epithet during an initial interview.

Police said that a man quoted in the Daily News won't speak to investigators and that the woman was misquoted.

Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon issued a statement.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dayshen McKenzie during their time of grief," McMahon said. "This office takes any allegations of a hate crime seriously. At this time, we have spoken with members of the NYPD who are investigating and we will continue to speak with them as this matter continues to be investigated."