Again, this is a relatively “easy” case– with a lot of evidence. What about the hate crimes cases with not so much evidence? What about the cases MPD has not been able to close? Or those that have been closed by MPD without an arrest and trial?

Sunday, The Washington Post reported that a substantial number of killers are literally getting away with murder in DC. See…
“D.C. homicides: In 15 percent of closed cases, no charges and no arrests” (Cheryl W. Thompson, The Washington Post, OCT 14)

It is very likely that lots of perps are getting away with anti-LGBT hate crimes, too.

That’s why we need independent LGBT citizen organizations, like GLOV, to monitor MPD’s and USAO’s performance, as well a provide additional support for those to frightened or intimidated to report hate crimes violations to MPD. See Blade stories…

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/05/30/anti-violence-activists-to-launch-independent-hate-crime-reporting-project/

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/05/31/report-anti-lgbt-murders-rose-11-percent-in-2011/

Busting and prosecuting perps is not the only way to deter hate crimes, however. In the recent past, we have witnessed too much use of NOT-credible MPD PR/spin machine efforts from MPD’s press office, as well as careless MPD comments that can have the effect of jeopardizing cases, as well as victims’ rights and remedies under DC’s hate crimes law.

MPD needs to spend its too-scarce human resources bringing hate crimes perps to justice– but also being visible within the community. When would-be perps see GLLU and other MPD officers out and about, VERY VISIBLE– patrolling the night spots and neighborhoods of likely LGBT targets– that’s another way to deter future hate crimes.

While we can take some comfort that this case is being seriously prosecuted, we must also remain constantly vigilant of MPD and USAO. Perps are still getting away with murder– and they are still getting away with anti-LGBT hate crimes in DC.