"Gay Panic" Alleged in Killing of Popular Jamaican Priest

Unfortunately, many people are buying the defense.

Background: In November, police found the nude body of Rev. Richard Johnson in the rectory of St. Jude's Anglican Church in Kingston. The priest was viciously stabbed and witnesses reported seeing a man flee the scene who was "known to pay frequent visits" his dwelling, detectives said. Johnson was one of the leading Anglican priests on the island.

Last week, 22 year-old Prince Vale turned himself in and admitted to the murder, claiming that acted in self-defense: "The Rector invited [Vale] into his bedroom and told him that he wanted him to try on a pair of pants he had for him. According to the attorney, Mr. Vale was trying on the pants when he was attacked by the rector in a sexual manner. This led to a fight during which the rector was stabbed."

Stabbed 25 times, but that small detail will come out later in the trial. Already, the gay angle is playing to the island's homophobic culture—Rev. Johnson was lionized after the killing, but now some are dismissing his death.

Some good news: While no one has yet confirmed that Johnson was gay, his death is also forcing others to re-examine their ideas on sexuality. On World AIDS Day, the editorial pages of historically anti-gay Jamaica Gleaner condemned the government for its disastrous HIV/AIDS policy and noted that "men who have sex with men are particularly at risk of HIV infection. The strong social stigma against homosexuals drives many of them into relations with women in order to disguise their sexual orientation."

Granted, a small step, but headed in the right direction.

A Failure of Leadership (Jamaica Gleaner)

Accused Says Rector Attacked Him (Radio Jamaica)

Anglican Priest Brutally Murdered (Jamaica Star)

More Gays Murdered in Jamaica:

Who Killed Ambassador Peter King? (Rod 2.0) Justice, Jamaican Style (Rod 2.0) Bloodlust at UWI (Rod 2.0 "One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?" (Rod 2.0) "Jamaica, Island of Hate" (Rod 2.0) Buju Banton Pro/Con (Rod 2.0) Beenie Man and Buju Banton Cancelled (Rod 2.0) Homophobia "Greatest Hurdle" in Jamaica (Rod 2.0) The Most Homophobic Place on Earth? (Rod 2.0)

Comments

[Quinton]

Thanks for staying on top of the Jamaican news. My family is Jamaican and many of my island relatives are very homophobic. It's much more a symptom of the islnd's crumbling economic and social structures.

[rob]

I heard about this case a weeks ago and was surprised to now learn the gay angle. If this suspect was a frequent visitor to the reverend's home, he probably was trade.

[ATL Kid]

My ex BF was Jamaican. Very insecure about his family on the island, its very homophobic there. I wish the best for the friends, family and memory of this priest.

[A. Ronald]

What is even more ridiculous is that the admitted killer was given $50,000 in bail. That's incredible.

[Carl]

I also once dated a Jamaican man and he was deathly afraid about his family finding out and the possible repercussions. It's disturbing to see some people turn on the memory of this priest, but, at least it is opening some debate.

As always, thanks for your coninuing "global" perspective on black gay men.

[Greg]

It isa small, but good sign that the Gleaner would say something about homophobia. That paper has been very anti-gay. Possibly this is the silver lining in this tragic story.

[Anaisnin]

Again, your referenes to the Gleaner being "historically anti-gay" always refer back to the same op piece by some stupid minister of religion. I think you are overstating a great deal.

I find the Gleaner, esp the editorial that represents to official position of the paper, to usually be quite balanced.