Andre Karlow was sentenced to the maximum time in prison for committing a violent hate crime against a transgender woman.KOMO
【North America · USA Washington Seattle】A local resident has been sentenced to 84 months in prison by the King County Superior Court for a violent assault on a transgender woman. Andre Karlow was convicted of second-degree assault and committing a hate crime against Andie Holcepl. Evidence presented during the trial showed that on March 27, 2025, the victim was targeted while walking through the University District.
Karlow initiated the confrontation with verbal slurs and physically attacked her when she attempted to record the harassment on her phone. This sparked a group assault that left Holcepl with severe injuries, including a brain bleed and broken teeth.
The jury concluded the attack met the legal definition of a hate crime, as the victim was targeted specifically because of her gender identity. Assistant prosecutor Yessenia Manzo stated that such violence validates the fear many individuals feel in public spaces. Recorded jail calls further revealed Karlow's extreme hostility and violent sentiments toward the community.
Given his history of similar offenses and lack of remorse, the judge imposed the maximum sentence of seven years.
North American Editorial Office: Robin
