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A transgender man named Jacob Williamson was tragically murdered after going on a date with someone he met online. The 18-year-old from Laurens, South Carolina, was found dead on July 4th along the roadside in Pageland, South Carolina. He had been corresponding with a man from Monroe, North Carolina, for about a month and a half before arranging to meet in person.
Following an extensive investigation, law enforcement arrested two suspects in connection to Jacob’s death. Joshua Newton, 25, has been charged with first-degree murder and obstruction of justice, while Victoria Smith, 22, Newton’s live-in girlfriend, has been charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact.
According to a family friend, Jacob had agreed to download a safety app so that his location could be tracked during the date. However, his location was turned off, causing concern. The friend called Jacob and advised him to turn on the location tracking feature again, but that was the last time she was able to reach him.
While there is no obvious motive for the murder, law enforcement officials have not found any evidence to suggest that Jacob was targeted because of his gender identity. The case serves as a reminder for parents and loved ones to be vigilant when monitoring who their loved ones are talking to online and to emphasize the importance of personal safety.
Unfortunately, instances of LGBTQ individuals, especially transgender individuals, disappearing or being harmed after meeting people online have become more common in recent years. It is crucial for everyone to exercise caution and take necessary precautions when interacting with strangers online.
The death of Jacob Williamson is a tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May his story serve as a reminder to prioritize personal safety and to create a safer online environment for everyone..
