RSM Teens Yelled Anti-Semitic Slurs During Mugging, Authorities Say

Two 19-year-old men accused of yelling anti-Semitic slurs while mugging a man in a Coto de Caza park were behind bars today, while a third suspect was at large.

Matthew Branstetter and Nolan Wickham, both from Rancho Santa Margarita, along with a third man, are accused of accosting a 23-year-old man in a youth sports park at Via Pajaro and Vista del Verde about 8 p.m. Wednesday, said Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino.

"Three suspects approached and asked him for money,'' Amormino said. "He said he didn't have any, so they began hitting him and kicking him, and one of the suspects hit him from behind in the head with an unknown object, possibly a tree branch.''

The victim collapsed and the three grabbed his jacket, wallet and cell phone while swearing at him and yelling anti-Semitic slurs, Amormino said.

The victim, who underwent surgery this morning, recognized one of the suspects and told investigators, which led to the arrests, Amormino said. The victim is expected to recover, Amormino said.

Branstetter and Wickham were booked on suspicion of robbery and committing a hate crime. They are being held on $50,000 bail, according to jail records.

—City News Service