UPDATE: SDGLN has learned that the attacks took place on March 14, and wasn't reported on until March, 22. The victims were scared to come forward until then. A Go Fund Me page has been set up HERE.



DESERT HOT SPRINGS - A suspect has been arrested in connection with the severe beating of a deaf lesbian couple in Desert Hot Springs on Tuesday.

Shaunda Lane pleaded guilty to attempted murder reports KESQ-2 and has a long history of criminal activity including prison incarceration in 2005.

Lane allegedly attacked the two deaf women when she became offended at their sign language gestures telling her to get off of their property.

Reports say that Lane took a baseball bat and began to pummel them.

The victims, Dee and Cat, just moved to the area only three months prior.

The small community has joined forces to help the two with medical costs after they sustained injuries to their arms and hands and Dee suffered a concussion.

"Someone was greatly offended. We don't think she knew they were deaf, and she was offended by their mannerisms, by not being able to communicate and shooing her off their property," said Chief Dale Mondary of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

Another resident known only as Team Mom came to the women’s aid and says the victims are living in fear that they will be attacked again, “it's sad because if someone does something to them, they can't even hear them," Team Mom said.

On Wednesday morning, the day after the assault, Team Mom says that the women’s residence was broken into and their phones destroyed, “They already didn't have anything in their house.”

Team Mom also questions if the attacker’s motives were provoked because the couple is gay. However the police department is not pursuing the case as a hate crime.

"And in this particular case, the motive appears to be just some irrational conclusion by an offended party, who came back and assaulted them," Chief Mondary said.

In November 2015, desert local and LGBT activist George Zander and his husband Chris were confronted by Christopher Carr who called them a gay slur and attacked George. George died a little over a month later. It is inconclusive whether or not Zander died as a result of his injuries.

Team Mom is not worried about the motive in the case of the deaf women at this time, instead they would like the public to help out the couple by donating money or other goods to assist in recovering their losses.

SDGLN talked to Team Mom about what the couple needs the most.

“To move out of this town,” they said. “A van and money and yes a cell phone to be able text. We just had a hate crime in Palm Springs the men were beaten and the George Sanders (sic) died.”

As of this report, no crowdfunding page has been set up to help them.

Locals can bring donations to the Desert Hot Springs UPS store located at 14080 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240. (760) 329-2309