A South Carolina man has been found guilty of killing a Black transgender woman in the nation’s first federal hate crime trial over gender identity.

A South Carolina man was found guilty Friday of killing a Black transgender woman in the nation’s first federal trial over a hate crime based on gender identity.

After deliberating for roughly four hours, jurors convicted Daqua Lameek Ritter of a hate crime for the murder of Dime Doe in 2019. Ritter was also found guilty of using a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting and obstructing justice.

A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. Ritter faces a maximum of life imprisonment without parole.

“This case stands as a testament to our committed effort to fight violence that is targeted against those who may identify as a member of the opposite sex, for their sexual orientation or for any other protected characteristics,” Brook Andrews, an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of South Carolina, told reporters after the verdict.

  • Deceptichum@kbin.social
    461·
    7 months ago

    The four-day trial over Doe’s killing centered on the secret sexual relationship between her and Ritter, the latter of whom had grown agitated by the exposure of their affair in the small town of Allendale, according to witness testimony and text messages obtained by the FBI. Prosecutors accused Ritter of shooting Doe three times with a .22 caliber handgun to prevent further revelation of his involvement with a transgender woman.

    To think her life wouldn’t have had to be ended if he could have just accepted himself instead of worrying about others reactions.

    • lolcatnip@reddthat.comEnglish
      10·
      7 months ago

      Or if the guy had been smart enough to realize that murdering someone is a terrible way to avoid attention.