Another week and another report of violent anti-LGBT attacks in Jamaica. Over the objections of the prosecution, a Kingston man was granted bail and the judge will apparently allow a gay panic defense for "killing [an] alleged homo," which is the headline of the Jamaica Observer.
Kevon Martin, 33, of Spanish Town Road in Kingston, was arrested and charged last November for the stabbing death of 59-year-old Steve Lindo at his (Lindo) home on Eastburn Road, Kingston 2. The accused, who is charged for murder, was offered bail by Senior Magistrate Judith Pusey, despite objection from the prosecution on the grounds that Martin had no permanent address.
But the magistrate, after looking at the statement, said that based on the Crown's case, Martin was acting in self-defence. ...
Details from the crime scene:
According to police reports on November 7, 2010, the accused went to visit Lindo at his home and a dispute developed between them after Lindo reportedly made sexual advances towards Martin. It is reported that a fight ensued in which Martin used a scissors to stab Lindo several times in his chest, back and neck.
Following the incident, Lindo, who was found semi-nude and bleeding profusely, was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital where he died while undergoing treatment. Martin later turned himself in at the Rockfort Police Station.
The case is continued on March 31.
The case is somewhat of a novelty in Jamaica where anti-LGBT violence and killings are frequent but arrests and prosecutions are extremely rare.
The attack comes at a time of heightened brutality and harassment toward Jamaica's besieged LGBT community. Two gay bars were raided in February. In December 2010, an activist with Jamaica's sole gay rights organization was found viciously stabbed to death. There have been no arrests. In March, the nude dead body of a male rape victim was discovered. And again, there were no arrests.
Did You Read? ...
Rasta Attacks Woman Suspected of Being Lesbian
Jamaican Gay Activist Murdered in Kingston
Gay Jamaican Cop Seeks Asylum in Canada
JA Gay Activist Attacked by Mob Seeks Asylum
JA Mob Attacks Two Gay Men
Angry Mob of 2,000 Jamaicans Attack Gays
"One Gay is Dead, What's the Difference?"
Jamaican Newspaper Criticizes Anti-Gay Laws
"Gay Panic" Defense in Brutal Slaying
Who Killed Ambassador Peter King?
"Gay Panic" in Killing of Popular Priest
"Flaunting Sexual Preference May Incite Violence"
That whole f@cking place needs to be boycotted.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 22 March 2011 at 11:31