Chicago-based Larry Bland died violently two weeks ago and his mother suspects his one his chat room mates may have murdered him. This isn’t the first time online sex has been brought up in a gay man’s murder.
Michael Sandy met his killers online, as have a number of other men who have come up on this site. Never in our eons of reporting gay murders, however, have we heard a story start with such panicked condemnation.
From local Fox reporter Darlene Hill:
Log in, type the address, and enter a world unknown to many: a world full of men seeking sex with men.
Josephine Bland says her son was so consumed by that activity, she moved out of her own home.
The story goes on the explain that Larry Bland was murdered two weeks ago in the home he later bought. The young man lived in the basement and rented out the upper floor for mortgage, Hill explains. His chat room visits “led to another room: his bedroom…There were always young boys and men in and out of the house.” The grieving Mrs. Bland, of course, believes one of them murdered her “everything”.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
We’re not sure which is more terrible, watching this woman mourn the loss of her handsome son or having the dead kid presented in such a sensational fashion.
Bob
I live in Chicago and have never heard of the Larry Bland murder. Can anyone supply me with more information? Thank you.
TJ Williams gay gospel singer
I live in Chicago an I am member of the seminary comunity. I too have not heard of this story.
Bob
I’ve googled the name and searched the fox news site but can’t find anything on larry bland being murdered in chgo. anyone know anything about this?
Toto
I found this much on a Larry Bland online is it the one they are talking about I don’t know doesn’t mention anything.
Man shot, killed near home on South Side
Tribune staff report
11:11 PM CST, November 17, 2007
Article tools
E-mail Share
Digg Del.icio.us Facebook Fark Google Newsvine Reddit Yahoo Print Single page view Reprints Post Comment Text size: Chicago police Saturday were investigating the death of a South Side man who was fatally shot early Saturday morning in the West Englewood neighborhood.
Larry Bland, 24, of the 6300 block of South Wood Street was shot multiple times around 3:40 a.m. near his home, according to police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He died at the scene, police said, adding that no one was in custody in connection with the shooting as of Saturday night.
ChicagoDude
Also live in Chicago – never have heard of this case, and it hasn’t been covered in any of the three weekly gay rags here. What’s up with that?
Matt
Here’s a possible reason why all us Chicagoans haven’t heard about this: Could it be….Fox is sensationalizing a story into something it’s not?? Might they be heartlessly capitalizing on a mourning mother’s grief-stricken ravings? Heavens, bring me my smelling salts before I swoon.
kandida
i need more info on this news report
torrid_windâ„¢
I live in NYC. I heard about this murder this morning. One of my Chicago friends alerted me to a commentary about this crime on popular black gay blogger, taylor Siluwe’s blog at: http://taylorsiluwe.typepad.com/taylor_siluwe/2007/12/another-black-g.html
Joseph Butcher
This repotrt make me angry and sad for this young man and his family. It also should also sound a clarion call to folks that not everthing is for everyone. PLEASE be careful inyour cruising family there are crazy and evil beings out there