HATE CRIME

Man Killed For “Blowing Kisses” In NYC’s Third Anti-Gay Homicide This Year

Crime SceneOn Monday a 22-year-old man stabbed a 69-year-old man to death because he thought he was “blowing kisses to him”, even though the victim was married to a woman.

Queens resident Steven Torres has been accused of stabbing Ever Orozco after Torres claimed Orozco came onto him. According to the New York Daily News, the attack occurred after Orozco dropped off his wife at the doctor’s office and parked his car. Torres attacked Orozco at 90th St and Roosevelt Ave then took off. Police apprehended him six blocks later, also recovering the knife he used to kill Orozco.

“He (Torres) said the victim was blowing kisses to him. That’s what set him off,” a source said. “This is what he is claiming.”

Torres also stands accused of stabbing another man on September 19 for allegedly coming onto him, though the 47-year-old victim survived his injuries. Torres is being charged with murder as a hate crime.

This is the third anti-LGBT homicide to occur this year, following the shooting death of Mark Carson, a gay man, and the savage beating of Islan Nettles, a transgender woman.

“We rarely see multiple anti-LGBT homicides in New York City in one year,” said Sharon Stapel, Executive Director of the New York Anti-Violence Project. “Since May, we have seen homicides in the West Village, Harlem and Jackson Heights and we know that any neighborhood in New York City can be impacted by anti-LGBT violence. We are extremely concerned about this disturbing trend of violence against our communities.”

In response to this latest trasgedy, the AVP will be organizing a Community Safety Night for Friday, September 20 in Jackson Height, Queens. More information about the Community Safety Night as well as updates about these incidents will be posted on AVP’s Facebook.

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