Mom: Daughter was beaten because of sexual orientation

The mother of a 23-year-old woman who was beaten so severely that she may need plastic surgery says her daughter was targeted because of her sexual orientation.

WALA-TV in Mobile (http://bit.ly/Uo6aaW ) reported Monday that Mallory Owens remains hospitalized after being attacked on Thanksgiving at her home in Mobile.

The victim's mother wants to see charges of second degree assault upgraded to attempted murder.

Travis Hawkins was arrested in connection with the assault, and was released on bond from the Mobile Metro Jail. An attorney for the 18-year-old man says the incident was not a hate crime.

Owens suffered a fractured jaw, swollen eyes and a broken cheekbone. She is recovering from her injuries in the USA Medical Center.

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