A Syracuse, New York man is sentenced to the maximum 25 years in prison for the hate crime killing of Lateisha Green, a young black transgender woman, reports WSYR-9 TV.
On July 18, Dwight DeLee was convicted of first-degree manslaughter as a hate crime for gunning down LaTeisha Green, a young black transgender woman, with a rifle last November outside a house party.
The 22-year-old Green was born Moses Cannon. At age 16 she decided to start dressing and living as a woman and was in the process of transitioning. Green shared this information with DeLee before her shot her in rage. Green's 18-year-old gay brother was also shot.
DeLee becomes only the second person in the United States convicted of a hate crime that involved the death of a transgender victim. The first conviction was the recent Angie Zapata case in Colorado.
The 20-year-old DeLee escaped the more serious second-degree murder as a hate crime charges. However, prosecutors said DeLee's family threatened witnesses after two witnesses recanted previous testimony. Witness tampering charges could be filed against family members.
DeLee Sentenced to 25 Years [WSYR]
Man Gets 25 Years in Transgender Killing [AP]
Some Background ...
Dwight DeLee Convicted in Syracuse Trans Murder Trial [R20]
Witnesses Threatened in Syracuse Trans Murder Trial [R20]
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]
PRAISE GOD!
Finally some justice in this horrific string of murders and assaults on our transgender sisters!
I am proud of the people of Syracuse who sat on that jury and realized that this was an egregious injustice, undeserved by any living person!
Prayerfully, as we wait on the outcome of the Lawrence King trial and others, and in recent light of the Prince case, this makes me feel like there's hope!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 18 August 2009 at 12:20
I agree with you, RevKev. For years transgender folk have been murdered and no one (not police, prosecutors, neighbors, family, NOT EVEN SOME GAY FOLKS) cared.
"you get what you ask for--going around dressed like that." is what they often said.
Well, a little justice does help ease the pain and frustration...a little.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 18 August 2009 at 12:59
I too am pleased that justice has been served. One dead, one shot, and another going to jail for most of his adult life. All of it's awful.
Posted by: FREELEO | 18 August 2009 at 13:05
There is a God!
I am so pleased and excited to hear about this conviction...thank you Rev Kev for your soaring praise and thank you Derrick for knowing what "we" have gone through.
I have been off blog for a few weeks, haven't been feeling well pluss taking care of my mother. But this case been on my mind. I so wanted to see justice served. I cant tell you how many times I been scorned and even attacked a few times over being "me". It is a has been a rocky road to walk but thankfully I am still here.
This was 25 years the maximum sentence. It was for involuntary manslaughter AFTER the man was convicted on second degree murder. This isnt best outcome but I am still pleased.
Posted by: Baltimore Femme | 18 August 2009 at 13:40
He may get to understand himself a big better in Prison.This stigma of who has just got to stop in our community! 2 Lives wasted and another scared .
Posted by: DW Jazzlover | 18 August 2009 at 14:41
"One dead, one shot, and another going to jail for most of his adult life. All of it's awful."
I don't think the victims should be put in the same category with the shooter/murderer. What happened to the VICTIMS is awful. The shooter/murderer (who killed one person and TRIED to kill another), on the other hand, is a monster who should have been convicted of MURDER not manslaughter and sentenced to LIFE with no chance of parole.
Posted by: elg | 19 August 2009 at 05:44
from now on and for the next 25 years, he will live the life he was so 'scared' of... being a 'fag' without having to choose...
that's if he makes it - prison has no mercy...
it's still sad how some people can be so petty. [...]
PEOPLE, live and let live...
btw, i'm a man who is attracted to some men (don't know what that makes me LOL) and i'm proud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: CC from Afrique de Sud | 19 August 2009 at 05:47