The Human Rights Campaign expressed profound sadness on October 22nd for
the death of a 17 year old transgender Californian who was murdered last week
in what appears likely to be a hate crime.
"We would like to convey our tremendous grief to the family and
friends of Gwen Araujo, who are dealing with this unspeakable and senseless
act of violence," said Seth Kilbourn, HRC's national field director. "We are
glad police have apprehended the suspects in what looks to be a hate crime
of the most heinous magnitude. At HRC, we abhor the ignorance and hate that
leads all too often to violence against transgender Americans."
Araujo had been missing since Oct. 3, reportedly after getting
attacked at a party when it was revealed that she was a transgender person.
Media reports say that Araujo was found Wednesday in a shallow grave near a
campground in Placerville, 150 miles Northeast of Newark, Calif., where the
fatal assault occurred. Police officials have yet to determine the motive
for the murder, but believe it likely could be a hate crime.
Three men have been arrested and charged with murder by "special
circumstance" which can carry the death penalty under California law. The
men charged are: Michael Magidson, 22; Jose Merel, 22; and Jaron Nabors, 19.
A fourth suspect, Merel's brother Paul, 25, was released without being
charged, according to USA Today.
"I'm going to bury him in the prettiest dress I can find," Sylvia
Guerrero, Araujo's mother told USA Today. "With make-up. His tombstone will
say 'Gwen'."
Enviroshop is maintained by dedicated NetSys Interactive Inc. owners & employees who generously contribute their time to maintenance & editing, web design, custom programming, & website hosting for Enviroshop.