ALGONQUIN – Two Algonquin brothers appeared in court Thursday on charges stemming from an attack and stabbing that police consider a hate crime.

Matthew W. Kasper, 19, of 206 Hillcrest Drive, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery, mob action, hate crime and unlawful use of a weapon.

Aggravated battery with the use of a deadly weapon is the most serious allegation – a Class 3 felony typically punishable by two to five years in prison. A hate crime is a Class 4 felony, with a typical punishment of up to three years.

Michael S. Kasper Jr., 22, of the same address, is charged with aggravated battery and mob action.

The attack occurred May 20 near Arrowhead Drive and Birch Street, according to court documents. Matthew Kasper is accused of stabbing the victim, Arthur Halper, in the head with a knife, as well as punching and kicking him.

He allegedly called Halper a derogatory name associated with race.

Deputy Chief Ed Urban of the Algonquin Police Department said there had been in a bonfire party in a wooded area that night and, "From what we able to determine from people who were there, they took offense that there was an individual there who was African-American. It started with name-calling and [a friend] stood up for him, and that's how the fight started."

The victim, Halper, was taken by ambulance to a hospita with injuries that were not life-threatening, Urban said.

On Thursday, Matthew Kasper was given time to get an attorney; his next scheduled court date is Aug. 30.

Michael Kasper also is accused of participating in the attack. He entered a not guilty plea and was given a court date of Sept. 13.