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A video has emerged showing a model beating a homeless man to death because he asked him for money.

Hivo Gonzalez, 32, is alleged to have used a fish bat to kill Pedro Cruz following an argument when he approached him for money earlier this month. Gonzalez claimed that he was acting in self-defence because he thought that he was about to be attacked.

But the beggar didn't look the least bit threatening in the video. In fact, Gonzales can be seen in the video chasing Cruz out of a petrol station in Miami, Florida, where he stopped to get fuel. He hit him with the bat until he fell to the ground. Gonzales then drove off with a friend in his car without calling 911 for help.

Gonzales has now been charged with murder. He could face up to 10 years in jail if he is convicted.

Gonzalez’s lawyer claimed he is not violent, adding: "This is a really good-natured guy who believed he was put into a life-or-death situation. We are deeply sorry about what happened to Mr Cruz. The bottom line: Hivo Gonzalez is no killer."

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