Local
Partner accused of murder in Md. man’s death
Stabbing death happened day before Valentine’s
The arrest of a gay man for allegedly murdering his partner one day before Valentine’s Day in the partner’s apartment in Temple Hills, Md., has prompted friends and family members to struggle over the specter of domestic violence, people who knew the victim have said.
Prince George’s County police have charged Eldridge Slaughter, 42, a Northeast D.C. resident, with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Christopher Alan Trueheart, 44.
“Christopher was such a gentle soul who loved everyone. His friends are truly stunned and saddened,” said Dwayne Smith, one of Trueheart’s friends.
Friends said Trueheart’s romantic relationship with Slaughter was widely known. Trueheart’s Facebook page – still active as of last week – included a photo of the two men leaning their heads together in an intimate pose.
In his Facebook profile, Trueheart wrote, “I currently have a partner who I love and care for very much.” He stated in his profile that the anniversary of the relationship was Sept. 28, 2008.
A spokesperson for P.G. County police declined to discuss the relationship between the two men and said he could not confirm whether the murder was an incident of domestic violence.
The spokesperson, Cpl. Henry Tippett, said the murder was related to some kind of “personal dispute.”
The Washington Post reported on Feb. 15 that police and law enforcement sources identified Slaughter and Trueheart as being in a “romantic relationship.”
Police said a member of Trueheart’s family found him unconscious in his apartment on the 4400 block of 23rd Parkway, Temple Hills, on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 13.
A police report says an autopsy determined the cause of death was “multiple sharp force injuries.” The police report says investigators quickly identified Slaughter as a suspect in the case and brought him in for questioning. According to the report, Slaughter was in possession of property belonging to Trueheart.
“The defendant waived his constitutional rights and provided a full confession, including details of the murder that would have been only known by the person committing the murder,” the police report says.
Slaughter is being held without bond pending trial.
Others who knew Trueheart said friends and family members, stricken with grief over Trueheart’s death, were reluctant to immediately talk about whether they were aware of signs of abuse in Slaughter’s behavior toward Trueheart.
Amy Loudermilk, co-chair of Rainbow Response, a D.C. group that monitors domestic violence in the LGBT community, said domestic violence is a “major public health” issue and should not be treated as a private matter.
“Silence only contributes to the stigma and taboo around this issue, especially in the LGBT community,” she said. “While friends should certainly be respectful to surviving relatives, and should take their own time to heal before speaking out if they need to do so, every voice possible is needed to fight the epidemic of domestic violence.”
Said Loudermilk, “Additionally, many friends find strength and healing in speaking out and doing something to help prevent another tragedy.”
Rainbow Response provides information about how domestic violence impacts the LGBT community and how the community should address the issue on its website, rainbowresponse.org.
Loudermilk said Rainbow Response supports the routine disclosure by police about whether a crime is linked to domestic violence.
“Again, silence only contributes to the perpetuation of the problem,” she said. “It’s important for another person going through the same situation to be able to read about it and realize that they are not the only one, and perhaps reach out for help.”
She said reporting cases of domestic violence also helps gather statistics on the frequency of the problem that’s needed to better enable advocacy and anti-domestic violence groups to provide services to victims.
She said anyone who feels threatened over possible domestic violence can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Summer Kickoff Party set for May 15 with Ashley Biden
The Washington Blade’s 19th annual Summer Kickoff Party is scheduled for Friday, May 15 in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
Ashley Biden, daughter of President Joe Biden, has joined the list of speakers, the Blade announced. She will accept an award on behalf of her brother Beau Biden for his LGBTQ advocacy work as Delaware attorney general. (Her appearance was rescheduled from last year.)
The event, to be held this year at Diego’s (37298 Rehoboth Ave. Ext.) from 5-7 p.m., is a fundraiser for the Blade Foundation’s Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which funds a summer position reporting on LGBTQ news in Delaware. This year’s recipient will be introduced at the event.
The event will also feature remarks from state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall. New CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Blade editor Kevin Naff will also speak. The event is generously sponsored by Realtor Justin Noble, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Diego’s.
A suggested donation of $25 is partially tax deductible and includes a drink ticket and light appetizers. Tickets are available in advance at bladefoundation.org/rehoboth or at the door.
District of Columbia
Curve magazine honors Washington Blade publisher
Lynne Brown named to 2026 Power List
Washington Blade Publisher Lynne Brown has been named to the 2026 Curve Power List celebrating LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary individuals in North America who are blazing trails in their chosen fields.
“From sports and entertainment icons to corporate leaders and lawmakers, these individuals are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and shaping the future,” Curve Foundation/Curve magazine said in announcing this year’s list, which includes ABC newscaster Robin Roberts, comedian/actress Hannah Einbinder, and singer/actress Renee Rapp, among others.
Brown has worked for the Washington Blade for nearly 40 years. She was named publisher in 2007 before becoming a co-owner in 2010.
“I am honored to be recognized by Curve magazine during Lesbian Visibility Week,” Brown said. “Receiving this Curve honor is twofold. I was an early subscriber to Curve. I enjoy the product and know its history. Its journalism, layout and humorous features have inspired me.
“As an owner/publisher, receiving recognition from a similar source acknowledges my work and efforts, with a sincerity I truly appreciate. Franco Stevens, the publisher of Curve, is a business person of duration, experience, and purpose. The fact that they are in the media business, and honoring me and my publication makes it a tiny bit sweeter.”
Nominations for the Curve Power List come from the community: peers, mentors, fans, and employers.
Curve explained the significance of the list in its announcement: “An annual, publicly nominated list of impactful LGBTQ+ women and nonbinary changemakers is crucial in current times to counter discrimination, legislative rollbacks, hostility, and the invisibility of queer women within mainstream and marginal spaces and endeavors. Such a list also fosters encouragement and solidarity, and elevates voices and achievements—from high-profile roles to under appreciated areas of life.”
Rehoboth Beach
Auction of Rehoboth’s Blue Moon canceled
Details on sale of iconic bar, restaurant not disclosed
The Blue Moon in Rehoboth Beach, Del., has been an iconic presence in the local LGBTQ community for four decades but its status remains murky after a sheriff’s auction of the property was abruptly called off on Tuesday.
The property was listed for sale in December. At that time, owner Tim Ragan told the Blade that he is committed to preserving its legacy as a gay-friendly space.
“We had no idea the interest this would create,” Ragan said in December. “I guess I was a little naive about that.”
Ragan explained that he and longtime partner Randy Haney were separating the real estate from the business. The two buildings associated with the sale were listed by Carrie Lingo at 35 Baltimore Ave., and include an apartment, the front restaurant (6,600 square feet with three floors and a basement), and a secondary building (roughly 1,800 square feet on two floors). They were listed for $4.5 million.
The bar and restaurant business is being sold separately; the price was not publicly disclosed.
But then, earlier this year, the Blue Moon real estate listing turned up on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office auction site. The auction was slated for Tuesday, April 21 but hours before the sale, the listing changed to “active under contract” indicating that a buyer has been found but the sale is not yet final. As of Wednesday morning, the listing has been removed from the sheriff’s auction site.
Ragan didn’t respond to Blade inquiries about the auction. Back in December, he told the Blade, “It’s time to look for the next people who can continue the history of the Moon and cultivate the next chapter,” noting that he turns 70 this year. “We’re not panicked; we separated the building from the business. Some buyers can’t afford both.”
The identity of the buyer was not disclosed, nor was the sale price.
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