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2009

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Killer of Florida Gay Man Ryan Skipp...
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Ryan Skipper Murder Trial- Gay Hate ...

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2008

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2009 (8:02 AM)

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Ryan Skipper Murder Trial- Gay Hate Crime

(I'm feeling sad)

Skipper Murder Trial is Underway in Bartow, FL - Live trial coverage on TruTV (formerly CourtTV) and online on CNN

The crime:
Joseph Bearden and William David Brown, Jr., of Polk County, FL, were both charged with first degree murder and robbery of Ryan Skipper whose body was found on March 14, 2007. A Polk County Sheriff's Dept. arrest affidavit revealed that one of the suspects targeted Skipper for being a "faggot." Skipper was stabbed 20 times, had his throat cut, his eye socket crushed, and was left to die on a dirt road near Winter Haven on the night of March 14, 2007. His stolen, blood-soaked car was found burned and abandoned at Lake Pansy near Winter Haven the following day. William Brown's trial has now been rescheduled for October 2009, and like Bearden's, will take place in Bartow, Florida. For more information about Ryan Skipper, please visit: www.RyanSkipperDocumentary.com.

Click here for the latest update

On Monday, the jury selection was completed and opening statements were given. Ryan's family was in the courtroom. Below are media accounts.
Lakeland Ledger:
http://www.theledger.com/article/20090216/NEWS/902160381/1410?Title=Testimony_Begins_in_Gay_Man_s_Stabbing_Death
Orlando Sentinel:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-skippertrial1709feb17,0,6216987.story

Trial Televised Live and Streamed Online
Starting Tuesday, February 17, Court TV, now owned by CNN and known as TRU TV, will cover the trial live throughout the day with anchors Lisa Bloom, Jack Ford and Ashleigh Banfield. Tru TV/CNN will also stream live courtroom video online through http://www.cnn.com/CRIME/.

A statement from Ryan Skipper’s family
February 16, 2009

Our son, Ryan Skipper, was a beautiful human being and a gift to our family and his friends.

That gift has been taken away from all of us and nothing will change that. This trial will be painful to all who love Ryan and cherish his memory. We are grateful to everyone who has sent their love and support to our family from the tragic day to the beginning of this trial.

We know that hate is at the root of this terrible crime. While Florida has a hate crime penalty enhancement law, we recognize that a hate crime charge is not being pursued because a first degree murder conviction already brings the harshest penalty the court can impose.

We will continue to speak out against prejudice and hate violence. Anti-gay hate crimes have increased dramatically in Florida over the past 5 years according to reports from the Florida Attorney General. We all have a responsibility to speak out against hate crimes and we all must seek justice for the victims.

We've been advised to prepare for "blame-the-victim" tactics, which are frequently used by those trying to escape justice. They have taken his life but we will not allow them to sully our memories of our son, brother and friend. Nothing that is said at trial could ever shake our confidence in that. We will remain focused on seeking justice for the life that has been taken. Ryan was loved and important to his family and friends, a good and valuable member of this community and society.

Category: Life

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