Trial Pushed Back in Rochester Racist Incident Case

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A former Rochester woman's trial on charges connected to a racist incident at a city park last year has been pushed back a couple of months.

Just last month, April 13 was selected as the start date for the trial of 36-year-old Shiloh Marie Hendrix in Olmsted County court. That date was shifted to June 15 during a court hearing this morning.

Prosecutors Drop One of the Charges

The Rochester City Attorneys Office also filed an amended criminal complaint in the case that charges Hendrix with two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct. The original complaint filed last August listed three disorderly conduct charges.

Racist Slur Directed at Child

The case stems from a viral video depicting Hendrix being confronted for allegedly directing a racist slur at a young child and then repeating the slur multiple times at the person recording the video. The incident occurred last April at the Roy Sutherland Playground in Soldiers Field Memorial Park.

Viral Video

The criminal complaint lists events that led up to the video, which attracted millions of views on social media as well as traditional media outlets worldwide. The court document says the video shows Hendrix being confronted about chasing after an 8-year-old boy, who is described as "profoundly and visibly autistic," after he had taken an applesauce pouch from a diaper bag belonging to Hendrix.

After the child climbed onto a piece of playground equipment, Hendrix was accused of repeatedly addressing the boy using a racial slur as she snatched the applesauce pouch out of his hand.

A man who witnessed the encounter then began recording video and confronted Hendrix, who is seen on the video using the same slur against the man with the cell phone.

Video and Audio Coverage of Trial

The judge presiding over the case was also presented with an objection by the Rochester City Attorney's Office to requests for visual or audio coverage of the upcoming trial. The court filing concerning the objection says prosecutors have safety concerns for the individuals involved in the case who may testify, particularly the victims.

READ MORE:  Felony Threats Charge Linked to Rochester Racist Slur Video

It also states that the City Attorney's Office and other city offices have received "extensive threatening outreach, by phone and in writing." The document also references a felony threats complaint that was brought against a person accused of making repeated and violent threats toward the City Attorney's Office in connection with the case.

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