federal hate crime trial in Allendale trans murder case
trial for federal hate crime in Allendale trans murder case.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – The trial of Daqua Lameek Ritter, accused of a hate crime based on gender identity in the Allendale murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman, continues on Wednesday.
During the trial, the jury heard testimony from Daqua Ritter’s ex-girlfriend, Delasia Green. Green, who was in a relationship with Ritter at the time of Doe’s murder, was arrested for failing to comply with a subpoena to testify.
Green revealed that she went through Ritter’s phone out of suspicion and found texts between Ritter and Doe. When she confronted Ritter about the messages, he became defensive and refused to discuss his relationship with Doe.
Local residents of Allendale, including friends of both Doe and Ritter, also took the stand as witnesses. Additionally, special agents from the FBI presented text messages exchanged between Doe and Ritter.
The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that in August 2019, Ritter convinced Doe to drive to a rural area in South Carolina, where she was ultimately killed due to her gender identity.
During opening arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Garner portrayed Ritter as someone who went to great lengths to hide his relationship with Doe. Garner claimed that Ritter’s girlfriend discovered the affair, leading to Ritter’s extreme reaction and ultimately, Doe’s murder.
The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Ritter attempted to cover up the crime by lying to the police about his whereabouts and enlisting others to help dispose of evidence.
The first witness in the trial was Allendale County Sheriff James Freeman, who described the scene where Doe’s body was found. He recalled discovering Doe slumped over in a vehicle in a remote wooded area with no signs of life.
The trial also heard testimony from a SLED agent who detailed the evidence found at the crime scene, including blood stains, shell casings, and personal belongings of the victim.
LaDime Doe is one of several transgender and gender-fluid individuals who have been victims of violence in recent years. The increase in attacks on the LGBTQ+ community has raised concerns about the safety and protection of marginalized individuals.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, transgender women of color are particularly vulnerable to hate crimes. The rise in gender identity-based hate crimes reported by the FBI underscores the need for stronger legislation to protect LGBTQ+ individuals.
The trial of Daqua Lameek Ritter marks a significant moment in the fight against hate crimes targeting individuals based on their gender identity. It is a critical step towards justice for victims like LaDime Doe and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance.
[WRDW’s Sydney Hood and The Associated Press contributed to this report.].
“Federal hate-crime trial”
“Allendale trans murder case”.
