Episode 35- Matthew Shepard: A Hate Crime

This week on @ColoradoCrimePodcast we discuss the senseless and hate-driven killing of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard. Matthew was murdered in Laramie, WY in 1998 by two straight men solely because he was gay. He was beaten, tied to a fence, and left for dead for 18 hours before he was found by a passing cyclist. Matthew survived for several more days on life support before he succumbed to his injuries. At the time of his murder, being murdered for being gay wasn't considered a hate crime. It took 11 years and several vetos from several different lawmakers before Matthew Shepard's death was considered exactly what it was, a hate crime. 

Matthew Shepard Foundation:

https://www.matthewshepard.org/

The crimes that we discuss are graphic and may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.