The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) is claiming the prime suspect in the murder of Mississippi mayoral candidate Marco McMillian, may have killed him because of “gay panic.”
Lawrence Reed was arrested for the homicide, and it is being reported that the two men may have had an intimate relationship during the approximately two weeks that they knew one another.
It is also being reported that Reed, who identifies as straight, may have “snapped” as a result of sexual advances on the part of McMillian.
Police have ruled out a hate crime in this case so far, something that some of McMillian’s friends and family members want reconsidered due to the brutal nature of the homicide. According to his family, McMillian had been beaten and burned.
“Marco’s death is a tragedy. He was a champion for justice and now he needs justice,” said friend and former campaign manager Dr. Ravi K. Perry. “To date, it appears his accused will not be charged with a hate crime. We need to ensure Marco’s life and legacy is given the same attention he gave so many others’ lives.”
Prior to his death, McMillian was concerned for his safety. His family is calling for a full investigation into his murder.
Sharon Lettman-Hicks, Executive Director and CEO at the National Black Justice Coaltiion said her group was “working closely with the family and will be reaching out to the Department of Justice for a proper investigation that does not prematurely rule out McMillian’s death as a racially-motivated or anti-gay hate crime.”
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.
McMillian was initially reported missing after Lawrence Reed, 22, crashed his SUV last Tuesday. Reed was airlifted to Memphis where he was treated for his injuries and later charged with McMillian’s murder.
McMillian announced his candidacy for mayor of Clarksdale, Mississippi, last month and was believed to be one of the first openly gay candidates to run for office in the state.
murphy0071
The so-called “gay panic defense” is an excuse for behavior and not a reason. Heterosexuals do not have “gay panic.” It is the exclusive for young men who are homosexual and hate themselves and over-react. Any heterosexual who uses the gay panic defense is a liar–or, at least his attorney is a liar. In the South, it will fly for those who love to kill Gays and that is mostg evangelicals in the South.
MuscleModelBlog.com
“Gay panic defense?” That is the most idiotic thing I have ever heard. So I guess (from reading the article) that Reed and McMillian had had a clandestine homosexual encounter…and that Reed then feared of being outed for some reason?? It’s sad that homophobia would drive someone to murder…
LadyL
“Gay panic?” Are you freaking kidding me?? Are people still reaching for that one? Infuriating. You can bet that attorney is going to do everything possible to fill that jury pool with ignorant bible-thumping homophobes who will look with sympathy upon a “straight” defendant claiming “gay panic” as his defense. I cannot believe this bullshit excuse is still tolerated!
LadyL
@murphy0071: @MuscleModelBlog.com: Yes! And yes!
Dionte
Can we have straight panic? I think I get it all the time when they look at me funny and start to walk towards me.
WayDifferent
Homophophia in the black culture hence the “DL” problems and epidemic HIV infection rates among black straight females even in “liberal” Northern places like Chicago. At least this guy had some ba**z. Shouldn’t let his death be in vain though, they’ve made strides in admitting that, yes, some of their own actually have mental illnesses.