Trial Begins in Gay Man's Stabbing Death

With the current flurry of Christianist anti-gay propaganda both in West Virginia and Utah among other places, out of Florida comes a reminder of the consequences of such hate speech. In March, 2007, Ryan Skipper (pictured at left) was found brutally murdered on the side of a Florida highway. Skipper's wounds included deep cuts to both sides of his neck, and multiple stab wounds to his shoulder and back. One of the accused killers had made derogatory remarks to others about Skipper's being gay. No doubt a bigotry made acceptable in part by the constant anti-gay mantra heard compliments of Christianists and many in the GOP - much like what the Nazi regime to desensitize the German populace to violence against Jews. In my view, true Christians do not disseminate a constant message of hate and denigration - but then, our enemies are not true Christians. The sad truth is that anyone of us could become a victim like Ryan Skipper merely by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Here are some highlights from The Ledger on the trial commencement:

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Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Joseph Eli Bearden, one of two defendants charged with the 2007 murder and robbery of Ryan Skipper. A woman going to the store about 1 a.m. on March 14, 2007, discovered Skipper's body lying on Morgan Road in Wahneta, south of Winter Haven. He had been stabbed to death. Prosecutors say Bearden, 23, and William David Brown Jr. killed Skipper and stole his 2007 Chevrolet Aveo. Brown, 22, of Wahneta, is awaiting trial.

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The Winter Haven man's killing brought attention to harassment and violence directed toward gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. A documentary was filmed about Skipper's life and death. The film's director, Vicki Nantz, provided a statement Monday to reporters on behalf of Skipper's family. "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," the statement said.

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Investigators have said Bearden made derogatory remarks to others about Skipper's being gay. But in opening statements, prosecutors focused on the robbery of Skipper as the motive for the killing. . . . After the killing, Bearden and Brown drove away in Skipper's vehicle, Castillo said. He said fingerprints found on the car included Skipper's, Bearden's and Brown's. The car was abandoned at a boat ramp on Lake Pansy. Papers were ignited in the car, but the fire burned out with minimal damage.