NASHVILLE, Ind. — The FBI is investigating the attack against a foreign exchange student from China as a possible hate crime.
The 18-year-old student was struck in the back by a hatchet while working on a school project.
Police say Dana Ericson, 59, had the hatchet in his possession when he was arrested. Ericson has been charged with attempted murder and battery.
Ericson allegedly admitted to police that his intent was to kill the woman in an act of “ethnic cleansing.”
He pleaded not guilty Monday during an initial hearing and is due back in court in April.
