Woman, 19, Speaks Out After Homophobic Hate Crime Attack

CARPENTERSVILLE, IL — Kady Grass is recovering after authorities say she was brutally beaten at a McDonald's in Carpentesrville by two teens because of her sexual origination.

"I'm doing OK, recovery-wise. I've actually had a hard time sleeping — I've had to call off work because of it," Grass told Patch on Friday. The attack left her bruised and battered, and her eyes swollen, after an argument that started over derogatory comments regarding her sexuality quickly escalated.

Grass, 19, was in Carpentersville on May 13, attending her 13-year-old cousin's middle school concert. The duo went to the McDonald's, at 1660 South Kennedy Drive in Carpentersville, after the concert.

• Charges Filed After Woman Beaten In Homophobic Attack

While there, she was attacked by a 19-year-old Elgin man and a 16-year-old boy, police said.

"One hit me in the jaw and one was hitting me in the front, and I didn't realize I was getting hit from behind until a little bit after, like it took me awhile to realize. I was unconscious when they were stomping on my head, so I don't remember that part, but my 13-year-old cousin does," she told NBC Chicago in an interview.

As of Friday, Grass said she still has a bump under her right eyebrow from the attack.

"It hurt, andd my nose is still broken and that hurts sometimes, but other than that I'm fine physically," she said.

Last week, hate crime charges were filed against the two teens accused of attacking Grass. John Kammrad, 19, of Elgin, and a 16-year-old boy — who is not being named because he is a juvenile — is also charged with aggravated battery and mob action.

"The acts were committed in a public place of accommodation and by reason of the actual or perceived sexual orientation of the victim," according to a statement from the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.

Kammrad is currently behind bars at the DuPage County Jail on separate, unrelated charges and is next expected un court in June, according to prosecutors.

“Like all cases we handle, my office filed these charges following a thorough investigation and an unbiased review of the facts," Kane State’s Attorney Shannon Mosser said. "These allegations are serious and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Everyone deserves to feel safe in public spaces, and no one should be attacked because of their gender identity or sexual orientation, as is alleged in this case. We must make it clear that Kane County is a community that welcomes all. I thank the Carpentersville Police Department for their swift response and detailed investigation, and I thank the victim for her strength, patience, and cooperation.”

Meanwhile, money is being raised through a GoFundMe to help Grass pay for her medical bills and cover the costs of a lawyer "to put this group of people behind bars."

As of Saturday night, more than $78,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe. Those wishing to contribute to this fundraiser can do so here.

Grass said she's sent a personal thank you to everyone who has donated so far.