Victim denies assault happened because she is gay

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A woman who was allegedly severely beaten by her girlfriend's brother spoke to FOX10 News about the incident. Mallory Owens said does not believe the beating was a hate crime.

Owens is out of the hospital and back at the home where she was allegedly beaten by 18-year-old Travis Hawkins, Jr. on Thanksgiving Day.

Owens said she doesn't remember much of that night. However, she said she doesn't think she was attacked because she is gay, despite what her mother, Kristi Taylor, told FOX10 News Monday.

"No, it was just a bad night. I honestly don't think that is what he thought, ‘Hey, you're gay so I am going to do this to you,’” said Owens.

Owens is dating the sister of Travis, Ally Hawkins. The two women share an apartment.

Ally Hawkins said she doesn’t believe her brother attacked Owens because she is gay either.

"No, this is not a hate crime. We both know why it happened. That will come out, but not at this time. It is very humiliating," said Ally.

Owens said she doesn't feel scared about being there.

"No, they are a normal family," said Owens. "I wish this wouldn't have happened, but I don't hate her brother or her family."

Related: DA: Not able to confirm 'hate crime'

Taylor told FOX10 News the Hawkins family stood by and watched their teenage son pummeled her daughter.

"I don't see them sitting there and watching it happen," said Owens.

Owens’ mother said she wants to see the charge against Travis Hawkins, Jr. upgraded to attempted murder.

Owens said she doesn't feel the same.

"I think he should be punished for what he has done. But I don't think he should spend the rest of his life in prison," said Owens.

Owens said she doesn’t know if the situation could have been worse.

"I don't know what was going on inside his head," answered Owens.

Owens said if she saw her attacker again, she would probably run.

"I will definitely try and run. I'm not nervous, I don't think he will get a gun, but it was pretty scary," said Owens.

Mobile County District Attorney Ashley Rich told FOX10 there is no evidence to support this was a hate crime.

Travis Hawkins, Jr., was released from Mobile Metro Jail on bond.