Man Found Guilty in Manslaughter Case of Dancer at Brooklyn Gas Station
A jury has convicted Dmitriy Popov, 20, of manslaughter as a hate crime for the death of O’Shae Sibley, a professional dancer, in Brooklyn. The incident occurred when a group, including Popov, shouted racist and anti-gay slurs at Sibley and his friends, leading to a fatal confrontation.
At the time of the incident, which took place in 2023, Popov was 17 years old. He claimed self-defense, stating during the trial that he stabbed Sibley, 28, because he feared for his own safety. However, prosecutors argued that Popov acted out of hate, provoking Sibley before the stabbing.
The verdict was the culmination of a three-week trial in New York State Supreme Court. While Popov was also found guilty of second-degree menacing, second-degree aggravated harassment, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, he was acquitted of the more serious charge of murder as a hate crime, which could have resulted in a life sentence.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez commented, “Hate has no place in Brooklyn.” He expressed hope that the verdict would provide some solace to Sibley’s family and the broader LGBTQ+ community, especially as Pride Month begins. Gonzalez highlighted that Sibley’s ambitions of becoming a dancer and choreographer were tragically cut short due to the incident.
Defense attorney Mark Pollard announced plans to appeal the decision, acknowledging the mixed outcomes for both sides. “We’re happy he wasn’t guilty of murder but disappointed he wasn’t acquitted on the rest of the charges,” he stated. Popov faces a sentence ranging from eight to 25 years for the manslaughter conviction, with sentencing scheduled for June 30.
The deadly encounter unfolded when Sibley and his friends stopped at a Brooklyn gas station after a day at the beach on July 29, 2023. While pumping gas, one of Sibley’s friends started dancing, attracting the attention of a nearby group, including Popov, who began to taunt them.
Security footage shown during the trial captured the brief altercation. Although the camera did not record the moment of the stabbing, Popov testified that he used a 5-and-a-half-inch blade to protect himself after claiming Sibley chased and punched him.
Sibley, who performed with the Philadelphia-based dance company Philadanco and studied at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Ailey Extension, was recognized for his work celebrating LGBTQ+ identity. His funeral in Philadelphia drew around 200 attendees, with public figures like Beyoncé and Spike Lee paying their respects online.
Popov, born in the U.S. to Russian parents, was a high school senior at his arrest.
