No Hate Crime Charge in Queens Murder Case

Prosecutors are still considering whether to bring a hate crime charge against a suspect accused of fatally stabbing a 69-year-old stranger in Queens.

The Queens District Attorney's office said Thursday that Steven Torres has been charged with second-degree murder. But it said the case is still under investigation and additional charges are possible.

Police were seeking a hate crime charge against Torres after he told them he attacked the victim because he believed he was blowing kisses at him.

Police have said they found no witnesses who saw victim Edward Orozco blowing kisses. Orozco had dropped off his wife at a doctor's office Monday when the stabbing occurred.

Investigators say the 22-year-old Torres also confessed to stabbing another man in the arm on Sept. 12 in Manhattan, claiming he made similar unwanted advances.