Gay Teen Decapitated, Dismembered and Burned in Puerto Rico

This calls for some GOOD news

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by: David Ehrenstein @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 13:04:19 PM CST

Huh.

I believe this deserves research, focus, and follow-up. This should be its own blog post, as opposed to a comment.

You know, I bet if the Constitution came with illustrations, we wouldn't have even half the trouble we do today.

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by: madigari @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 13:20:51 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Indeed it should

I will try to do this later on...

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by: Louise @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:11:07 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Thank you, David!

I saw this story on Facebook and didn't know he had been interviewed by CNN...

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by: Louise @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:10:26 PM CST

[ Parent ]

This just hurt my heart, the cruelty this boy faced

The investigator....should meet the same MOTHERF*CKING fate, but slower with a rusty dull knife....IMO.

Prayers for Jorge's friends and family

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 13:11:16 PM CST

I agree.

And just imagine the hue and cry from the thin blue line if someone were to state that cops who lead the violent, thuggish, militaristic police-brutality "kind of lifestyle" should be aware that they're always at risk of getting their number drawn.

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by: CubPaws2008 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 03:39:50 AM CST

[ Parent ]

And the ones that in this society stand up to this bigotry

are the ones inflaming people to treat us like that.

I'm so sick of living in a world that accepts their violence against us while rejecting our love for each other.

JUST SICK.

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by: pantherq @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 13:27:07 PM CST

More from primerahora.com

A later report from PrimeraHora.com says that his Steven's friends started worrying when he didn't show up at a Miss Transformistas event at the gay club on Thursday night. He'd talked to one friend earlier in the day and said he was coming.

They kept trying to reach him, but he didn't answer his phone. Then they heard on Friday that the body of an unknown man was found and connected the dots.

Steven's family had to identify the body, which again, was not in the best condition. I can't imagine what they're going through. I've felt like throwing up all day, and I didn't even know him.

I haven't seen any talk of a suspect, but it's still early in the investigation.

http://blog.mattalgren.com/200...

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by: Matt Algren @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 13:36:56 PM CST

Don't get me wrong...

Miss Transformistas event

Don't get me wrong - this murder is as disgusting as they come no matter what, but I am interested to know if there was some trans aspect to it.

Again - I'm just curious.

As for:

"people who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware that this will happen".

OK - accuse me of hyperbole if you must, but that statement disgusts me almost as much as the murder itself.

>^..^<

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by: KatRose @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 13:46:00 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I'm not sure...

I am interested to know if there was some trans aspect to it.

I don't think so, but I'm basing that on poorly translated information.

From what little I could find this morning, Miss Transformistas is a popular Latin Drag Queen competition, rather than being strictly transgender.

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by: Matt Algren @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:00:15 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Im with you on that last statement

about "this type of lifestyle."

I couldn't comment on this post earlier because that enraged me so much.

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by: kevinchi @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:06:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Well, living "this kind of lifestyle"

I am outraged at the tacit acceptance by the constabulary that this is the inevitable that results from being LGBT

Puerto Rico is a part of the United States; if the officials do not enforce the laws then Los Federales need to step in, investigate and remove people.

I tell you Chica that no greater abomination exists than women denying their spirit of sisterhood and instead becoming the oppressor. -Rebeca, Universidad Complutense de Madrid

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by: MauraHennessey @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:46:43 PM CST

[ Parent ]

It Depends On WHAT "Lifestyle"

I'd be particularly pissed if he meant "just because you're gay, you're a moving target for violent crimes".

However, if this guy was promiscuous and meeting anonymous men all the time, or was a hustler/prostitute, then YES - your chances of ending up dismembered, missing, raped or whatever increases by a LOT.

In my extensive research of Dahmer's victims, one author did just that - blamed their deaths on being gay - or "lifestyle" as she put it.  Many of his victims were indeed hustlers/prostitutes, but some weren't.  But the majority went home with a total stranger - and the person you go home with may be totally different behind closed doors than the person you met at the club.  

I personally don't care what people do - it's their lives.  

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by: bluegrassfool @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 16:14:15 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Really?

I personally don't care what people do - it's their lives.  

...but you're willing to blame people for their own murders if you don't approve of what they do with "their lives".

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by: M @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 19:41:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Not sure

I think you might be misconstruing Bluegrassfool here, possibly by reading in some normative judgment where the point was meant to be purely empirical.

A large amount of random sex probably does expose one to more wackos.  This is only because it exposes one to more people, and in an intimate, private setting with one's guard somewhat down... i.e., a greater risk of running across one of the bad apples that are found in every human bunch.

This isn't to say that anyone deserves harm - and I'm pretty sure Bluegrassfool, as a regular commenter on the Blend, wouldn't say such a thing either.  All it means is that the risk of harm is greater, as a matter of simple objective fact - tragic as that is.

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by: CubPaws2008 @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 03:47:59 AM CST

[ Parent ]

It's Nothing

Cub,

M comes out of the woodworks half of the time when I post - the stalker isn't worth my time.

Yes - if you're going home with anonymous men all the time, or if you're a hooker, hustler or prostitute, there's a good chance of putting yourself in danger.  That's exactly what I was saying.  

And the same applies to heterosexuals: female hookers going home with or getting into a car with a stranger, a woman having too much to drink and going home with some guy she meets at the bar, etc.

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by: bluegrassfool @ Tue Nov 17, 2009 at 12:33:14 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Will the new federal hate crimes law apply?

Or does it not going into effect until next year?

It doesn't sound like the local authorities are going to serve this boy justice.

We may need the feds to intervene.

--George

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by: George Simpson @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 13:52:50 PM CST

If it doesn't actually apply

It should cause NATIONAL scrutiny of the case so it can't be swept under the rug, or some f*cking twinky defense sh*t.
KatRose...you absolutely are correct the investigator's statement is as sickening as the crime...maybe more so, because we should be able to TRUST law enforcement to treat OUR savage murders with as much care, as they would a missing pretty blonde straight girl in the Carribean islands.
Can't you see Greta (or Nancy Grace) giving over a YEAR of her FAUX show, to solve this killing.....yeah that'll SO HAPPEN!

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:24:11 PM CST

[ Parent ]

My guess is YES

Effective date from the bill was October 1.  President Obama signed it into law on October 28.  So, that would make the enactment date October 28.  

(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.-The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2009, or the date of the enactment of this Act, whichever is later.

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by: Guy in SF @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:31:07 PM CST

[ Parent ]

This is horrifying...

And this just goes to show why the federal hate crimes bill was so necessary. It's so sad to see young LGBT folk brutally murdered like this.

Act on Principles and make equality happen.  

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by: atdnext @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:26:29 PM CST

Exactly - I detest the whole "a crime is a crime is a crime" argument against hate crime legislation

Because dollars to donuts, this teenager was targeted for who he was, not at random. The blase attitude of law enforcement is not surprising, but is completely unacceptable. When bigotry is so pervasive that it interferes with justice, then you need outside [in this case, federal] pressure to step in.

Question: does anyone know if the federal hate crime law means that the FBI or other federal law enforcement can get involved (as they may for a crime crossing state lines), or is it only for the prosecution/penalty stage? (god, I hope there is one) The info I've read focuses on prosecution, but not investigation.

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by: lyonside @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:50:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Horrifying story, and horrific statement from police:

The police agent that is handling this case said on a public televised statement that "people who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware that this will happen".

It's possible his heart was in the right place. It's possible he meant, "We'd like to remind the gay community to always be vigilant to take steps to protect themselves the violence that surrounds them."

But I don't think so.

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by: Clarknt67 @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:48:19 PM CST

"Will" vs. "Can"

I agree with Clark's final supposition, though there is a bit of ambiguity involved because the police official is quoted (per the Topix link above) as having said in Spanish that "...this can happen," not that it "will happen."  The rest of the quote drips of condescension: "this type of people...when they get involved in this...and go out in public..."  Disgusting and horrifying all around.  

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by: sonia @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 15:35:41 PM CST

[ Parent ]

link to el nuevo dia newspaper

http://www.elnuevodia.com/XSta...

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by: xipoles @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:50:55 PM CST

Thanks!

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by: Louise @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 15:36:44 PM CST

[ Parent ]

people who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware that this will happen

I wonder whether this hateful remark would have been used if we were talking about some blond white drunk college slut - you know, the ones who perform for "Girls gone wild" or flash their titties at Mardi Gras.

Somehow, aberrant behaviour is just fine (and ignored) when it is a cute "co-ed", but sinful and punishable if it relates in any way to anyone gay.

This investigator needs to be relieved today.  

Does anyone have the email address for the top cop in his hierarchy?

Question:  What does an atheist do when they fall to the floor and start "speaking in tongues"?

Answer: Get a CAT scan.

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by: Snooky Ookums @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:51:14 PM CST

Don't fall into the meme

Our lives are not defined by behavior.  And there is no evidence yet that any behavior precipitated this crime.  It's entirely possible that the crime was commited based upon this young man's very existence.

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by: sammyseattle @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 15:32:07 PM CST

[ Parent ]

repugnant double-standard & the power of privilege, yes, but ...

This crime truly ranks among the most heinous.  I too feel the rage.  But for the record, there's nuthin' wrong with being a blond, white, drunk, slutty, tit-flashing, "Girls Gone Wild" type - so long as one isn't driving at the same time.

I'll take Sammy's comment further.  Jorge Lopez's killer may have singled him out just for being a gender nonconformist (being).  But if not ... even if Jorge flirted with his killer, or made a pass at him, or agreed to a tryst, or tried to rob him (behaviors) that is of course still no justification for murder.  And it certainly doesn't explain this kind of extreme torture and/or mutilation.  There is only one scenario I can imagine that would make any kind of sick sense out of this ... if it was retribution for child sexual abuse.

But from what I've read, and what we all know of the hatred out there, Jorge appears to have been nothing more than the victim of a homophobic, homo-hating psychopath in a homophobic, homo-hating, psycho-culture.  A fate that could befall any of us.

"Imagine there's no heaven—it's easy if you try.  No hell below us, above us only sky.  Imagine all the people living life in peace." John Lennon

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by: 555catnap @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 17:11:53 PM CST

[ Parent ]

A Despicable Hate Crime that is Beyond Comprehension

Just last week, a colleague of mine, who happens to be Puerto Rican, were discussing the "over the top" homophobic attitudes of NY State Senator Ruben Diaz Jr., who is deeply opposed to legalizing gay marriage in NY State.  Here is a link about Diaz, a Pentecostal minister too,and his opposition to the LGBT community in general, who is also Puerto Rican, in the NYT: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11...

The area where George Steven Lopez Mercado's body in Guavate, Cayey Puerto Rico is apparently a locale of "old school" weekend destination for lots of drinking and cavorting.  Also, not reported in other news reports is a significant level of violence in the Cayey area, marked by significant numbers of murders.

It sounds terrible in general.  But I am sure the "machismo" culture put upon and internalized of Puerto Rican men, contributed to this not only rage filled murder--but sheer hate.  I can only imagine that it might have been a closeted gay man who truly hates himself, or not.  But whatever the reason, it is despicable and I hope human rights groups, gay groups and the media really shine the light on this horrible event.  Thanks Pam for bringing this to our attention.  Let us not forget George Steven Lopez Mercado and work toward eliminating ignorance and hatred.


Tanya

"Well behaved women never make history."

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by: CaptainAlpha12 @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 14:55:07 PM CST

I want to see every bit as much anger and disgust as LGBTs had over Matthew Shepard

I don't want a Latino or transgender boy, or feminine demeanor to any way have us less commited to this murder.

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 15:15:53 PM CST

Wholeheartedly agreed.

I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.  -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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by: QScribe @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 15:41:55 PM CST

[ Parent ]

You know me

I'm on this horrible story and will continue to share info, as it comes in later this week, and beyond.  

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by: Louise @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 15:43:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Thank you, petey

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by: kevinchi @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 17:40:23 PM CST

[ Parent ]

here's that foul investigator's name

The activist leader and spokesman of Puerto Rico Para Tod @ s, Pedro Julio Serrano, reported that the investigating officer of the case, Angel Rodriguez Colon, expressions made "unthinkable, immoral and unethical", concerning the murder.

"These people when they get to this and are on the street know that this can happen," said Rodriguez's agent to a TV news (Univision).

we can nickname him ASS ANGEL

I'd like to find a memorial fund link, I'll search around, but I don't read spanish.
Writing Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann on this story and Anderson Cooper, Rick Sanchez  maybe even Geraldo would get this case national attention, BBC NEWS would be good internationally.

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 15:46:51 PM CST

couldn't find any link for a memorial

I searched a few sites listed in the article, but no updates.

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 16:19:35 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I wrote the following NEWS sources

BBC NEWS, PBS newshour, Shepard Smith, Geraldo, AC360, Rachel, Keith, couldn't find Rick Sanchez contact.

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 16:50:37 PM CST

[ Parent ]

This will be the first test

of the DOJ's commitment to the new hate crimes law.  I've been skeptical about how conscientious they'll be about it; I hope they prove me wrong.  If it is publicized properly, it may also take some of the wind out of Gary Cass' sails.  Here's hoping.

On a more personal note, I had been having a good day today.  Making good progress dealing with my paralysis, and the pain has been more than manageable so far today.  But this news has taken the good edge off all that for me.  I could cry for this poor boy, and all the innumerable others who've suffered similar fates.  Why won't the straight world ever let us have a completely good day?  EVER?

I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.  -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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by: QScribe @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 15:52:55 PM CST

OT: Georgia Teacher Arrested...

http://www.ajc.com/news/clayto...

A teacher in Clayton, GA has been arrested after demanding to know a student's sexual orientation, making threats of physical violence to the gay student, and then hiring another student to kill the gay student.

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by: Storm @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 15:58:04 PM CST

Jonathan Turley has this story

  http://jonathanturley.org/2009...

Towleroad
 http://www.towleroad.com/2009/...
Boniface Now

  http://bonifacenow.typepad.com...
Truth Wins Out has story same as Towleroad

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 16:06:13 PM CST

Good

Hopefully this means MSNBC is on it as well...

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by: Louise @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 17:11:10 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Can't Lambda Legal

handle the particulars to be sure that the federal hate crimes statue is enforced.

What GLBT organizations in Puerto Rico can stay on this?

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by: kevinchi @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 17:46:48 PM CST

My understanding is that

Lambda Legal's concern is litigation, not investigation.  So they might not want to get involved with this until the culprit is found and brought to trial.  At that stage, I'd be surprised if they don't become active in this case.  Until then...it's not their bailiwick.  I may be wrong, but that's my experience with them.

I am not interested in picking up crumbs of compassion thrown from the table of someone who considers himself my master. I want the full menu of rights.  -Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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by: QScribe @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 18:53:29 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Unid@s is one organization

Unid@s - National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Human Rights Organization
The mission of Unid@s, The National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Human Rights Organization is to create a multi-issue approach for advocacy, education and convening of and for our communities. Guided by economic justice, feminist, environmental and pro-peace values, UNID@S joins a global effort to transform systems and policies to create the just and equitable World we know possible.
   http://unidoslgbt.blogspot.com/

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 19:37:20 PM CST

[ Parent ]

That's why

the news that Pedro Serrano, as a former co-chair on Unid@s Board of Directors, is heading down there is such good news... if there can be any with this.

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by: Louise @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 20:03:15 PM CST

[ Parent ]

reading Pedro's bio was where I saw unid@s

What have you done today, to make ya feel PROUD?


~Heather Small

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by: peteyPornpig @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 20:08:02 PM CST

[ Parent ]

No queer tourist dollars to PR

 think it might be appropriate for anyone who might have considered vacationing in PR to send a nice note to the tourism folks informing them that since their island's law enforcement " professionals" state that we're "people who lead this type of lifestyle who need to be aware that this will happen" that we will go elsewhere  ( and definitely not Jamaica).

here's one such site you can email comments:
http://www.gotopuertorico.com/...

( that  site's  part of the PRTC)
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (the island's official tourism center) has offices in North America. Granted, it's not like there's one in every state, but if you live in New York, Florida, California or Toronto, you're in luck. You can also call them toll-free at 800-866-7827.

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by: Miranda Writes @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 18:30:58 PM CST

No queer tourist dollars to PR

 think it might be appropriate for anyone who might have considered vacationing in PR to send a nice note to the tourism folks informing them that since their island's law enforcement " professionals" state that we're "people who lead this type of lifestyle who need to be aware that this will happen" that we will go elsewhere  ( and definitely not Jamaica).

here's one such site you can email comments:
http://www.gotopuertorico.com/...

( that  site's  part of the PRTC)
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (the island's official tourism center) has offices in North America. Granted, it's not like there's one in every state, but if you live in New York, Florida, California or Toronto, you're in luck. You can also call them toll-free at 800-866-7827.

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by: Miranda Writes @ Mon Nov 16, 2009 at 18:30:59 PM CST