MPD on Hunter Case: Not Hate Crime
From MPD spokesperson Traci Hughes, on the Tony Randolph Hunter case:
Members of the Homicide Branch are aggressively investigating this crime and will explore all potential motivations. MPDC's primary concern is to bring closure to Mr Hunter's family and friends by identifying and bringing to justice the person(s) responsible for his death.
There is nothing to indicate at this time that this crime was motivated by hate or bias. Anyone with information is encouraged to call 1-888-919-CRIM(E), or text message to 50-411.
Update: Matt W. Ashburn of MPD's Special Liaison Unit chimes in to note that the "crime is NOT classified as a hate/bias crime."
8:40 pm
This is pure bullshit. everyone knows this is a hate, crime, especially the non-respondent lazy MPD. what people fail to realize is that this is not the first hate crime that has occurred near the Be-Bar. there have been robberies, and one individual was even shot coming from Be Bar, and all of the victims were gay. the hoodrat filth that live in that area are pryaing on gays and assuming them weak. We need to band together and take the law into our own hands and show these lowlife hoodlums that we are not to be played with. What's ironic is that a police car is usually posted on 8th street right near the grocery store, but he happened not to see this? maybe he turned his head to the entire situation. This is a shame that a young life was lost to the overall bigotry and hatred that is plaguing this city. I'd bet my next paycheck that the investigators aren't going to do a damn thing and this case will be filed on a dusty stack of unsolved murders. If i were a lawyer, I'd love to represent the victim's family in filing a multi million dollar lawsuit for negligence.
7:08 am
The issue here is simple. A young gay man that came to our City to go to a bar has been killed.
Whether the police want to catagorize this as a hate crime or not- it is a tragedy that we need to address at all levels of our City and our leaders have been too silent.
The gay community in the Shaw and logan Circle area have begun to feel unsafe. that is an issue we must address. It is the GLBT community which has helped to rebuild these and many other areas of the District and if we don't recognize the problems that are occuring people will stop moving into the City and may start moving out.
I send my condolensces to the family of this young man and hope that our city leaders will do the same and then begin the education process that will lead to the end of these crimes.
10:48 pm
OUR NEW ANGEL
On September 7, 2008 Tony Randolph Hunter and a friend were severely beaten by 4 unidentified assailants near Eighth and N Streets NW. Randolph died on September 18th at HU Hospital due to injuries from the attack. Family and friends are gathering at MCC Church in the neighborhood of the assault and walking from there to the location of the attack to commemorate the life of our friend and the senseless nature of this violent crime.
Come join us in our effort to communicate to the city and the police that we are united in our belief that hate crimes of all gay people will no longer be tolerated. Randolph was one of us and his death could have been any one of us.
Peace and Blessings.
Candlelight Vigil
September 28, 2008 at 6:00 pm at MCC Church at 474 Ridge Street NW
All participants are requested to wear White T Shirts as a sign of unity.