The violent beating and death of Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero at the hands of a group of teenagers on Long Island in 2008 is the basis of a new documentary, "Not In Our Town: Light In The Darkness."
The film airs on PBS, Wed., Sept. 21 at 10 p.m.
Patrice O'Neill, the executive producer and director of the movie, spoke with Good Day NY.
The U.S. Department of Justice called on Suffolk County to strengthen efforts to combat hate crimes.
In a letter released Wednesday, the department faulted county police procedures and pointed to warning signs that preceded the 2008 killing.
The department is urging Suffolk County to revamp of practices that it says have have hurt relations with Hispanics.
Newsday reports that federal authorities are continuing their investigation into whether Suffolk police have violated constitutional or civil rights of Hispanics.
County Executive Steve Levy said some of the recommendations are constructive but he disagrees with others.
Advocates for Hispanic immigrants said the report confirmed Suffolk's shortcomings.
Luis Valenzuela of the Long Island Immigrant Alliance said the said the climate in the county is anti-immigrant.
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