From: Melissa L. Pope, Director of Victim Services

Angie Zapata was a beautiful eighteen-year-old transgender woman who was found murdered in her home on July 17, 2008.  The murderer, Allen Ray Andrade, beat Angie to death with a fire extinguisher.  Why?  Because she was transgender.

Andrade tried to use the “trans panic defense”, saying he was so shocked and outraged when he learned that Angie was transgender that he flew into an uncontrollable murderous rage.  He tried to blame Angie for his murder of her.  The Colorado jury did not buy it.  They rejected this preposterous explanation and found him guilty of First Degree Murder AND committing a Hate Crime. 

This was the first time that a killer was convicted of a bias crime in the United States for the murder of a transgender person.

This rejection of ignorance and hatred gives justice to Angie, her family, her friends and the LGBT community, but it will not end the violence against transgender persons.  We must stay committed in the struggle against prejudice to achieve full respect and equality for the transgender community and the LGBT community as a whole so that we do not have to celebrate the victory of convictions, but rather that there are no hate crimes at all.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Angie Zapata as they continue their difficult path towards healing.  In her memory, and the memory of the hundreds of others who have lost their lives to hate, we pledge our ongoing commitment to end violence against the LGBT community.

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The Department of Victim Services offers free and confidential crisis intervention and information, criminal justice advocacy and support, and personal advocacy and support, as well as referrals to LGBT-sensitive shelters, social service agencies, counselors, and attorneys.  If you have been the victim of anti-LGBT or HIV-positive violence, vandalism, intimidation, harassment or discrimination, call us at 313-537-7000 or toll-free at 877-787-4262.  We can help.

 Support us in our work to promote equality and secure freedom from violence, intimidation and discrimination for LGBT persons throughout Michigan.  Join Triangle Foundation.  http://www.tri.org/get-active