Utah Motel Owner Who Cried "Hate Crime" Now Charged with Arson

August 20, 2002

Source: Deseret News

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,405025346,00.html

On August 20, 2002, the Deseret News reported that the Tabesh family's hotel in Heber City, Utah "was burned last month in apparent hate crime... Since part of the hotel her family owns was doused with accelerant and set on fire last month, Samina Tabesh worries those responsible will return... But Monday night, she and other family members relaxed and were smiling during a benefit concert held in their honor... The concert featured ethnic dancing and singing as well as performances by local musicians. About 80 people from the Heber Valley and the Wasatch Front attended the event... Although family, friends and those who attended Monday's concert believe the fire is a hate crime against the Tabesh family because they are Muslim and originally from Pakistan, Heber police Sgt. Jason Bradley said a motive has not been determined."