Goshen residents are standing up to racism after they say a black man was beaten and stabbed because of his race.

One resident called it "shocking."

Another described the taunting of a group of men yelling slurs at the 60-year-old man who tried to get away Sunday afternoon.

The man continues to fight for his life in a Fresno hospital but is expected to recover.

When paramedics and deputies arrived in the 7000 block of Avenue 310, they found a 60-year-old man suffering from multiple stab wounds.

The man was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. His name wasn't released.

Violent crimes detectives shut down roads and began the task of interviewing dozens of neighbors. They were led to Hadden Kennedy, 25, and Jodan Peck, 39, who neighbors say live a block from the victim.

Many people in the area say they were outside at the time of the incident. Others weren't aware of the stabbing until the medical helicopter landed at the park.

Lt. Duane Cornett said the case is being submitted to Tulare County District Attorney's Office as a hate crime.

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"Our investigation showed that during the attack, racial slurs were used," Cornett said.

The case will be submitted to the DA today.

Neighbors said the victim had been harassed by the suspects for a few days. On Sunday the confrontation came to a head, residents said.

"It's a very sad situation," said Gina Torrez, a Goshen resident. "Seems like a racially motivated hate crime, so upsetting that these issues are still present."

Torrez, along with several residents in the area, called the man, "good people."

"I know the victim personally," she said. "He's always been very warm and pleasant with me...he's helped me several times with putting my trash out."

Residents said they're coming forward, despite fear of retaliation, to ensure people know that racism has no part in Tulare County.

The suspects were booked into Tulare County Pretrial Facility on suspicion of attempted homicide.

If anyone has information regarding the case they can call (800) 808-0488.