Keith Murray was charged and convicted for hitting 16-year-old David Hughes with a bar stool after other members of his crew had knocked Hughes down and been kicking him.| Hughes had been trying to break up a fight between Murray's posse and his brother, and wound up with facial scars, headaches and psychological trauma.

After exhausting all his appeals, Keith went on the lamb, ducking court dates and warrants, but has now begun serving his five-year (suspended after three) sentence for second-degree assault. Mr. Murray and his attorney, Joseph A. Moniz, are seeking a re-trial based on the claim that "the investigation singled Murray out because of his status as a rap star." And, as we all know, it's OK for rap stars to hit beaten-down children with bar-stools.

Seeking a positive spin on all this publicity, Keith told the New York Amsterdam News of his intentions to start a non-profit organization for underprivileged children who are going the wrong way in life. A representative for Keith could not be reached to determine whether being beaten by a famous rapper with a bar stool counts as "going the wrong way in life."

Fans wishing to send the rapper words of encouragement or disappointment are encouraged to write:
Keith Murray
c/o WRFMU
1151 East Street South
Suffield, CT 06075

- Werner