Justice for the Roques - FAQs
The Justice for the Roques campaign (J4R) is a campaign organized by community members and community organizations to raise awareness to Stop Asian Hate and support victims of anti-Asian violence. Since June 2022, the campaign has crowdfunded financial aid for the Roque family, canvassed local neighborhoods, and organized community meetings as well as rallies at court hearings. Leading organizations include the Filipino Migrant Center, National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON), and Migrante Los Angeles.
Timeline of the Campaign
January 11, 2023*
The judge granted the defense a continuance over DDA Kim’s objection. The next date setting hearing was scheduled for March 6. The January 24 preliminary hearing was canceled.
July 11, 2022*
May 13, 2022
Roque family experienced verbal and physical assault in an anti-Asian hate crime. The assailant, Nicholas Weber, is given a citation to appear in court and released by LAPD.
September 30, 2022*
Due to continued community pressure, DDA Kim submitted upgraded charges, elevating the misdemeanor battery charge for the attack on Nerissa Roque to felony battery.
June 22, 2022*
Roque family informed of Weber’s arrest almost a week after the fact. Weber is in custody at an LA jail but refused to go to court for the mandatory arraignment hearing.
June 24, 2022*
The Roque family and supporters return to the courthouse and yet again, Weber refused to come to court. An extraction order is filed to demand the defendant appear in court.
The judge ruled that Nicholas Weber remain in custody with $150,000 bail and a protective order for the area around the Roque family's residence was issued in the event that Weber is released during trial.
June 16, 2022
Weber was arrested on an unrelated matter in Costa Mesa.
June 17, 2022
Community mobilization event to demand Weber’s swift arrest and prosecution with the Roque family still in fear for their safety.
June 23, 2022*
The Roque family and supporters waited at the courthouse but Weber refused to come to court.
August 19, 2022*
The judge announced the next hearing will be set for September 30, 2022 to allow for additional evidence gathering. DDA Kim stated that additional interviews with the family would be collected and his team would review an enhanced and slowed down version of the video of the crime.
October 12, 2022*
The judge announced the final preliminary hearing date setting would take place on January 11 and a preliminary hearing would take place on January 24.
June 8, 2022
Weber failed to appear in court for scheduled arraignment.
June 27, 2022*
Weber appeared in court to hear charges against him and pleaded not guilty.
*Court hearings at Van Nuys Courthouse West attended by the Roque family and supporters. For each court date, the family had to take time off from work and missed out on earning wages.
Latest Updates
Date Setting Hearing on March 6, 2023
Save the date for what should be the final date setting hearing where the date for the preliminary hearing will be set. Let’s show up as a community to support the Roques in their call for justice and to show that we won’t stand for inaction when there is hate in our community.
Monday, March 6, 2023
Time: 7:30am
Van Nuys Courthouse West
14400 Erwin Street Mall
Van Nuys, CA 91401
Recap from January 11, 2023 court date
Get involved in the campaign!
Whether you're an individual or an organization, there's a place for everyone to contribute as we organize to Stop Asian Hate!
Donate for the Family's Recovery!
To support the family in their physical and emotional recovery we are calling for the community to help fundraise for their medical needs! Please donate here to relieve the Roque family of financial burdens and allow them to recover physically and emotionally as they pursue justice.
As of February 13, 2023, we have fundraised a total of over $7K for the family. With the incident reaching its 1-year mark, the family still hasn't received financial or material support from the Philippine or US government.
