Around The Nation

Murder Of Gender Non-conforming Person Called Another Transgender Hate Crime

Kendall Hampton via Cincinnati PD

CINCINNATI, OH -- Kendall Hampton, a 26-year-old Cincinnati gender non-conforming individual, was shot killed by an unknown suspect over the weekend, according to a Cincinnati police spokesperson. Hampton, who investigators identified as an active sex-worker, was shot twice by an unknown suspect or suspects in the Walnut Hills area of the city August 12 at around 11:00 p.m.

The Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization has labeled Hampton's murder a hate crime and believes the victim was targeted because of the shooter’s perception of Hampton’s gender identity and expression. 

“We at BRAVO believe that this incident underscores the importance for renewed discussion and action on hate crime against LGBTQ communities,” said Gloria McCauley, executive director of BRAVO.

In 2011, BRAVO documented 111 incidents of anti-LGBT hate crime in Ohio. Nationally, murder of transgender individuals are at an all time high, according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs.

Cincinnati Police investigators are asking for the public's assistance. If you can help police, solve this crime please call Crimestoppers at (513)-352-3040.

Oklahoma Gay Couple's House Targeted With Homophobic Vandalism

LOCUST GROVE, OK -- The Cherokee County Sheriff's office investigators are looking into an incident of vandalism against a same-sex couple's home in this small city located 47 miles east of Tulsa.

A Sheriff's office spokesperson confirmed that the incident is being investigating as a hate crime. According to the report filed by KOKI FOX23 television, Wayne Perego had left for work early Wednesday morning, and returned two hours later to retrieve an item he had forgotten. When he arrived, he immediately became suspicious when he saw his dogs loose in the front yard. As he walked up to his home he found 11 different hateful gay slurs spray painted all over house.

"[I was in] disbelief that somebody could do that," Perego told the station. "It just blows our minds."

"I never thought that hate could get that close. And when I saw it, I just started crying."

Perego said that the couple has no idea who the responsible persons could be although Perego added that his partner was outside on Sunday when a car drove by and the occupants allegedly yelled hateful gay slurs at him. Perego's partner said that the persons looked to be in their mid 30's. know."

But despite the hateful message, Perego has also seen a lot of support.

"[We've been] overwhelmed with neighbors coming to talk to us, saying 'hey, we'll do what we can.' We've actually had the senior center want to provide the paint to re-paint our house."

Norman Crisp is one of those caring neighbors, and says Perego and his partner are great people who have always been there to help others in the area.

"People has a right to live their lives the way they want to," Crisp said. "Yo know what I'm saying? And it bothers me because I wouldn't want somebody doing something like that to me." ~ KOKI Fox23 Tulsa, OK

Perego isn't sure the vandals will ever be caught. But he has a message he hopes they will hear.

"If we can get people to understand that, you know, human beings are human beings. And that's all that matters."