There are new and very disturbing developments in the trial of Dwight DeLee, the Syracuse, New York man accused of gunning down LaTeisha Green, a young black transgender woman, last fall. Despite being shot by a .22-caliber rifle at point-blank range and several eyewitnesses, two of the prosecution witnesses recanted their statements on the witness stand and authorities say DeLee's family is threatening witnesses.
Newsday reports: "Siblings Johnny and Jasmine Gaston testified that investigators told them what to say about the shooting of 22-year-old Lateisha Green at a Syracuse house party last November. Both gave signed statements to police identifying Dwight DeLee as the gunman. But on Tuesday, they insisted DeLee was involved and said someone else killed Green. 'They were telling me the story of what happened,' said Johnny Gaston, who claimed he was coerced during eight hours of questioning."
Judge William Walsh allowed prosecutors to introduce statements in which Gaston "said she saw DeLee fire the shot into the car, that DeLee later called her from work to say he felt bad about what happened and that he said he hoped nobody was hurt." Walsh adds authorities are investigating threats made against these witnesses who "named names" including "at least one member of DeLee's family", reports the AP.
Other witnesses testify they heard DeLee refer to Green as a "faggot" moments before Green was shot. Other witnesses say they heard or saw the shot. Green's brother, 18-year-old Mark Cannon, who is gay and was also shot, testified and said DeLee was the fatal shooter.
DeLee is charged with second-degree murder as a hate crime and accused of intentionally killing LaTeisha Green because of her perceived sexual orientation. Green was born Moses Cannon and at age 16 decided to start dressing and living as a woman. The family accepted LaTeisha's transition and now urges state officials to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, which includes transgenders in hate crime protection laws. The trial comes on the same week the United States Senate is expected to pass hate crimes legislation.
Some Background ...
Suspect Arraigned on Syracuse Transgender Murder [R20]
Hate Crimes Charges in Syracuse Trans Murder [R20]
Will Hate Crimes Charges Be Filed in Trans Murder? [R20]
No Bail for Syracuse Suspect, Victim ID'd as Trans [R20]
Black Syracuse Man Killed Simply for "Being Gay" [R20]
Family Defends Accused Killer of Trans Woman [R20]
Not very surprising that the defendant would start threatening people. It would be keeping in his character.
I hope this is not off topic but I have to put it out there. I have written several articles about transgender issues in the local paper, and I think they definitely get the harshest treatment in the LGBT population.
But I had an experience over the weekend that left me confused. I was at a function and got into a conversation with a transgender woman. But when I told her I was gay she kicked me to the curb because she wanted a straight man.
Maybe I need some trans education. Do they consider themselves straight but assigned the wrong gender? If that is the case, are their issues really the same as gays and lesbians?
Rod feel free to edit or delete if you think it's inappropriate.
Posted by: Anthony in Nashville | 16 July 2009 at 11:36
No, your comments are fine and I'm glad you spoke up.
I try my best to cover trans issues here. There is some disagreement on our issues. My impression is that there is a very wide spectrum off sexuality and many trans feel they were assigned the wrong biological gender.
Trans women, esp black and Latina, do receive the harshest treatment in our community.
Posted by: Rod Mc | 16 July 2009 at 12:14
"Do they consider themselves straight but assigned the wrong gender?"
Some do, Anthony, but some do not. I imagine that most transwoman are sexually attracted to straight men, but some never loose their attraction to gay men. And some post-op transsexual women leave the gay world (if they were ever in it)--while others continue to hang with their gay friends. Also, remember, some transwomen become Lesbians once they've had re-assignment surgery. Even more interesting is that not every transperson is transsexual. Some still call themselves "gay". Some are offended by the old term "drag queen"-- others are not.
"But when I told her I was gay she kicked me to the curb because she wanted a straight man"
Well, if she abuptly ended your conversation just because she realized you weren't straight, then Miss Thaing just happened to be an ignorant bitc...I mean, ignorant trans lady.
But there are other ROD 2.0 folks who are much better able to answer your question. My trans days ended with the end of the Disco beat. I'm just regula' now.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 16 July 2009 at 12:18
"But there are other ROD 2.0 folks who are much better able to answer your question"
Oh, I am referring here to BALTIMORE FEMME and DIVA'61, who would really understand the answers to your questions.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 16 July 2009 at 12:29
Derrick, you answered his question thoroughly. I don't think there is much to add. FQs are an interesting bunch. People should always remember that for a large majority of transwomen and transmen, sexual orientation is totally separate from gender identity. A guy could feel c_nt and transition into a woman, and only date gay men. I also know of transwomen who have not had their penises removed and substitute their organs for strap-ons with their lesbian partners. And yes, Derrick, many a girl will tell you she is a man, regardless of the sil, the hormones, etc. On the other hand, many a girl will beat you down for referring to them with any male pronoun or masculine term.
I hope Delee is hung by his balls. What he did to that girl and her brother was DESPICABLE, and all because she was other. I hate the way people treat transgender women.
Posted by: Chaz | 16 July 2009 at 12:45
@ Rod: I have seen how explosive and contentious trans issues can be on blogs, that's why I asked. Hopefully the discussion remains civil.
@ Derrick: Thanks for replying. Your answer makes it seem like there is no standard affiliation/defintion for transgendered people. I didn't know 'drag queen' was considered passe or offensive.
Posted by: Anthony in Nashville | 16 July 2009 at 12:54
Such a shame that the witnesses are being threatened by the family. I'm assuming they may feel that Green had her death coming such a shame. I do contend with you Rod that Transgender individuals are one of the most misunderstood bunch of the LGBT community. I hope this bill passes. At least it will be a step towards some sort of progress.
Posted by: Jamar Herrod | 16 July 2009 at 17:54