Rod 2.0:Beta #gay #news #lgbt #gaynews

Police Arrest Ex-Girlfriend in Dragging Death of Leticia Martinez

There are new developments in the gruesome murder of Norma Leticia Martinez, the 20-year-old San Jose lesbian who was struck by a car, dragged up to two blocks and left in the middle of traffic. Police have arrested the ex-girlfriend who was seen fighting with Martinez shortly before she was killed, KCBS reports.

Jennifer Bautista was pulled over Wednesday morning as she was driving near Tully Road and South 7th Street in San Jose. San Jose Police spokesman Jermaine Thomas said she was initially detained for questioning and subsequently arrested. Bautista has been booked into the Santa Clara County jail for the murder of 20-year-old Norma Leticia Martinez. Police said it appears Martinez was pulled along the street by a vehicle for at least a block, but it is still unclear whether she was dragged or was holding onto the car. Thomas said they have not determined a motive in the alleged murder.

Several family members initially suspected Leticia's death was a hate crime because she previously been threatened due to her sexual orientation.

The suspect and victim were involved in rocky on-again off-again romance. Court documents show that Bautista was granted a domestic violence restraining order against Martinez in January.

Anti-Gay Activists "Thank" NY Sen. Hiram Monserrate for "No" Vote

At the same time New York State Sen. Hiram Monserrate is being targeted by gay activists and a primary opponent for his shameful "no" vote on marriage equality, a group calling itself the "Coalition for Morality" is thanking him, reports Elizabeth Benjamin at the Daily News.

The flyer is being distributed in Lefrak City, according to the reader. That's the same place some anonymous anti-gay flyers targeting Councilman-elect Danny Dromm were dropped during the September primary. Monserrate's "no" vote - one of eight cast by Democratic senators - came as a surprise to the LGBT community, including Monserrate's own chief of staff, Wayne Mahlke, a veteran gay activist from Queens. Monserrate's decision to oppose same-sex marriage was widely seen as a favor for his supporter, Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., but it also signals his intent to use churches - particularly Hispanic churches - as a campaign vehicle next year.

In related news: The state senate lays the groundwork to discipline and possibly expel Monserrate for the vicious assault and slashing of his girlfriend's face captured on video surveillance: "Sen. Monserrate behaved recklessly and callously after his companion was hurt during an argument at his Queens home, failing to call 911, dragging her violently through a hallway and taking her to a hospital miles away, according to a State Senate committee investigating Mr. Monserrate. The report also found that Mr. Monserrate, a Democrat from Queens, refused to take full responsibility for injuring Ms. Giraldo, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the report is confidential."

At the disgraced senator's recent holiday party, which ironically was the one-year-anniversary of the assault, gay activists crashed the festivities and shouted "How can wife beaters get married and we can't? Hiram believes marriage should be between one man, one woman and a broken bottle!"

Running Late

Ridiculously slow mobile broadband and the BlackBerry data service is ... well, ridiculously slow, too. Will be posting as soon as I can get to a better location.

Indiana Univ. Professor Don Belton Stabbed to Death in His Home

Don Belton, a distinguished writer and one of the leading black gay voices in academia, has been brutally stabbed to death in his own home. And the young man accused of killing the Indiana University professor tells police the victim sexually assaulted him on Christmas Day and "showed no remorse", reports the Chicago Tribune.

Michael J. Griffin, 25, of Bloomington told police he visited Don Belton on Sunday to confront the 53-year-old assistant professor of English over two alleged assaults, the probable cause affidavit said. An argument and scuffle ensued. Griffin told police he stabbed Belton with a 10-inch military style knife after Belton failed to "show or express any type of feeling that what had taken place was a mistake," the affidavit said.

A friend who came to Belton's home in Bloomington on Monday found his body in the kitchen, authorities said. Police who were called to the scene found both doors unlocked and no signs of forced entry. Nothing was missing, said police Lt. David Drake.Drake said Belton was stabbed "at least five or six" times in the back and several times in the front of the torso. The affidavit said police found Belton's journal, which contained an entry saying that he was "very happy" that someone named Michael had entered his life. Police later received a call from Griffin's girlfriend saying she thought her boyfriend might be involved in the slaying.

Prior to arriving at IU Bloomington in fall 2008, Belton formerly taught at the University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania, and, lectured at the Sorbonne, among other places. Belton also has written for Newsweek and The Advocate and edited Speak My Name, an critically-acclaimed anthology of essays on black masculinity.

The murder has shocked and saddened Belton's colleagues, some of whom shared the news on Twitter. John Keene, an associate professor of English and African American Studies at Northwestern University, tells Rod 2.0: "Don Belton was a literary pathblazer and one of the important black gay writers to emerge in the 1980s. His 1986 novel Almost Midnight heralded a wave of works to come. Kind, friendly, and very smart all come to mind when I think of Don."

Michael J. Griffin is being held without bond in the Monroe County Jail on a charge of murder. The initial court hearing is on Wednesday. Interesting comments at Queerty, where many readers say Griffin is "cute" and "hot".

Watch WISH's report AFTER THE JUMP ...

WATCH: Trey Songz "Invents Sex", Strips Down, Water Poured on Him

R&B poptart Trey Songz performed at the sold out Philips Arena in Atlanta. Appearing with him onstage was Keri Hilson—oh and Usher, too, for those who still care about him—to serve the kids the fiyah remix to Trey’s "I Invented Sex." The track is dominating R&B charts and radio and has been Number #1 for two weeks in a row.

To illustrate his point about "inventing sex', Trey stripped down (surprise!) and Keri poured water over his abs. Hmm. Later, the two singers were this close, which only cranked up the rumor mill. Trey Songz was last seen doing Black Men, demonstrating his oral techniques and serving BQ sex siren realness. Perfect 10s for Trey and Keri (no hatin'). Usher...not so much. More photos and watch the strip show AFTER THE JUMP ...

Karl Rove Destroys the "Sanctity" of Marriage, Divorces Second Wife

Karl Rove, the "architect" of the George W. Bush presidency and strategist behind dozens of same-sex marriage amendments in the 2004 elections and Bush's ill-fated fated attempt at a Federal Marriage Amendment, wants us to respect his "privacy" because he just divorced his second wife of 24 years. The job was just too stressful, reports The New York Times:

When Mr. Rove resigned from his senior position at the White House in 2007, he said he owed it to his family to return it to a sense of normalcy that was impossible to maintain in his high-pressure, high-profile job. A friend, who spoke about the Roves only on condition of anonymity out of respect for their privacy, said the couple maintained an amicable relationship but the rigors and challenges of Mr. Rove’s time at the White House had clearly taken their toll.

Former White House press secretary Dana Perino—who recently claimed there was never a terrorist attack under Bush—released this statement: "Karl Rove and his wife, Darby, were granted a divorce last week. The couple came to the decision mutually and amicably, and they maintain a close relationship and a strong friendship. There will be no further comment, and the family requests that its privacy be respected."

Police Investigate Hit and Run Dragging Death of Young Lesbian

Police in San Jose are investigating the gruesome death of 20-year-old Norma Leticia Martinez, who was struck by a car, dragged up to two blocks and left in the middle of traffic. She later died from internal injuries. The family believes this was a hate crime. But police are looking for Martinez's ex-girlfriend, who is missing and witnesses saw argue with the deceased only hours before her death.

KTVU reports:

Martinez's brother, Iven Perez said Martinez got into an argument with the woman Monday morning. "The argument started here in the front of the house it went from here to the corner," said Perez [who] said the family landlord witnessed a fight between Martinez and her ex- girlfriend at about 6am. "He saw her on top of the car and the car was going. The officer said there's a skid pattern so I'm assuming she was on the car then hit the brakes and she flew off the car and got ran over." Martinez' body was found in the middle of Michigan Avenue, near the Star of the Sea church. She was taken to the hospital where she later died.

Several members of the Martinez family said Leticia's death was a hate crime linked to her sexual orientation. They believe she was lured and attacked by a man who previously threatened her because of her sexuality. Investigators say they have "no evidence" to believe it was a hate crime and are concentrating manpower on finding the missing ex-girlfriend. 

Family members tell KGO that Leticia had just started a new job at McDonald's, had a new girlfriend and was "happy" about the new direction in her life.  KGO's early report on Martinez' death does not include KTVU's late-breaking details on the ex-girfriend. Watch the report WHEN YOU JUMP...

Horrific Mississipppi Fire Kills 9, Incl. Lesbian Couple and 6 Children

An early morning fire at a rundown apartment complex in Starkville, Mississippi claimed the lives of nine people including a black lesbian couple and their children. Several other family members, who were taken in because they had nowhere else to go, also perished in the blaze.

The victims were 25-year-old India Williams, her three children, her cousin, 18-year-old Castella Bell, and Bell's three children. The ninth victim was a friend, 20-year-old Lakesha Gillespie. The children ranged in age from 6 months to 6 years old. Williams and Gillespie were a couple, reports the Times Picayune. .

Investigators did not know what caused the blaze, though they did not suspect it was set. Several neighbors said the apartments in the Academy Crossing complex had electrical problems, though complex owner Mildred Rollins said she was not aware of any such problems. She would not comment further.

Neighbors said Williams, who worked at a Popeyes fast food restaurant, took in Bell and her children recently because they had fallen on hard times. They said Williams and Gillespie were a couple. "They were the kindest people who would not turn away a friend, especially when she had kids," Latasha Brown, who lives downstairs, said. Ramona Doss, who lives in another of the complex's six two-story red brick apartment buildings, said Williams would often bring her plates of home-cooked food, and Williams's children called her "Grandma" even though they are not related.

Investigators say the "aggressive" fire started about 4am in the living room. All of the victims died of apparent smoke inhalation, but, autopsies have been ordered on the adults. Authorities have ruled out arson or any criminal act, reports the Clarion Ledger. State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney tells the newspaper: "The neighbor heard screams. It's just horrible. We don't know if it started from Christmas decorations or using candles to heat or what."

The horrific fire has been described as "the worst tragedy" ever seen in the city of about 24,000 residents in eastern Mississippi, which is home to Mississippi State University.

Thanks LISA MOORE/REDBONE PRESS

Charges Upgraded in Brutal Murder of Gay Man Killed in Toledo?

More on the tragic case of Marland Woods, the 32-year-old gay Toledo man who was"kicked and stomped in the head" across the street from a gay bar. Woods was hospitalized and died of head injuries nearly a week later. Prosecutors charged 20-year-old Norman Corggens with felonious assault and hours later he walked out of jail on his recognizance. The Lucas County deputy coroner has ruled Woods death was a homicide.

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Don Kenney told the Blade detectives were awaiting the coroner's report "to make sure [his death] was attributed to the assault and then it's normally presented to a grand jury." Sources tell Rod 2.0 that prosecutors are developing the case for the grand jury.

On the night of December 13, one of Woods' friends was involved in a fight at Caesar’s Show Bar. After the crowd was ejected, witnesses say Woods crossed the street and was later viciously attacked by a man who "kicked and stomped on his head." Authorities will not say if the suspect was connected to the bar brawl, or, if this was a random attack. Police say "there is no indication" this was a hate crime.

Woods had a 10-year domestic partnership and a commitment ceremony in September. Friends and family held a vigil at the scene of the crime. Watch the video and hear from family and his partner AFTER THE JUMP.

News: Tyra Banks, Louis Smith, JLS, Lady Gaga, Marriage, Bahamas

· Avatar tops the biggest box office weekend. 

· Conservatives ramp up efforts to overturn Iowa's marriage equality law.

· One of President Obama's openly gay appointees has been confirmed by the Senate. Minneapolis Assistant Police Chief Sharon Lubinski will become Minnesota’s next U.S. Marshal.

· Umm, what exactly are JLS' Aston and Marvin doing?

· Tyra Banks announces the end of her talk show:  "Banks will focus on the launch of Bankable Studios, a NY-based film production company. Banks aims to bring 'positive images of women to the big screen,' says an industry insider. With encouragement from filmmaker Tyler Perry and longtime mentor Oprah Winfrey, Banks is 'redefining beauty for women in film,' adds the source. 'With Oprah’s big announcement this year, I think that gave Tyra the confidence to get out there and follow her longtime dream of film producing.'"

· The "World" is enough for Louis Smith. The Beijing pommel horse bronze medalist will miss Commonwealth Games.

· Towleroad reports tickets for Lady Gaga's Miami Beach New Year's Eve performance "are almost non-existent" with "only a few 25,000-dollar tables left."

· Kareem Mortimer's Children of God is a new Bahamian film that explores homophobia:  "As a gay Bahamian, Mortimer adds, 'I felt really afraid. I can't even express how I felt, and one politician said things like "the only good homosexual is a dead homosexual" that went unchallenged in the country. Bahamians are very generous, loving people, but it was an act of great shame.' To show Bahamians another side of the issue, Mortimer focused his story on three very different characters: the wife of a secretly gay pastor, a homophobic firebrand; a young black man who is trying to hide his sexuality from his family; and the conflicted white man he becomes involved with."