Very disturbing news from Indianapolis. Arson and homicide investigators "suspect foul play" after firefighters discovered a body while responding to a suspicious house fire. The deceased was later identified as a gay man and he leaves behind a young son, according to relatives.
Watch WISH-TV's report AFTER THE JUMP ...
The Indianapolis Star reports:
Police have identified the man found dead inside a Northeastside home that was on fire early this morning as 27-year-old Bryant Steele. While extinguishing the fire, they found the man inside the home lying in the living room area on a bed already dead. Police were called in to investigate the death. They suspect foul play, according to the police report.
WISH's report does not identify Steele as "gay". However, a family member told reporters that they believed he was killed "because of who he is." More details from WBIW:
Firefighters say they located Steele's body in a bed in the living room. That is when homicide detectives were called to the scene. Family members say Steele was openly gay and that they believe the fire may have been a hate crime. Police say they believe foul place was involved and the case is under investigation.
The fire was fairly extensive and police estimate "about $90,000 worth of damage" to the home. More news as this develops.
Watch WISH-TV's report AFTER THE JUMP ...
If it's indeed a HATE crime, this once again points to the hypocrisy of straight people. I would guarantee you that the scum who started that fire would tell you "they believe in GOD", yet they use this same "God" to justify their murderous rage and hate.
Posted by: Black Pegasus | 01 October 2012 at 14:55
I hope the perpetrators of this murderous hate crime are brought to justice and quickly. The lives of gay men matter.
Posted by: elg | 01 October 2012 at 22:10
The unfortunate truth is this is Indianapolis, Indiana, the least socially progressive state in the Midwest. They don't like blacks already, so being black and LGBT = double negative.
Posted by: kayman | 04 October 2012 at 17:33