Local
‘Outrage’ as killer gets 12 years
Court records unsealed; gay victim shot 5 times at point-blank range
The United States Attorney’s office this week reversed an earlier decision to seal court records showing the outcome of its case against two young men charged with first-degree murder while armed for the January 2010 shooting death of gay Maryland resident Gordon Rivers in Southeast Washington.
At the request of the U.S. Attorney’s office, a D.C. Superior Court judge on Wednesday unsealed records showing that District resident William X. Wren, 18, had been sentenced on Jan. 26 to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting Rivers five times at point-blank range inside Rivers’ car during a botched robbery.
Wren, who was 17 at the time of the murder, was charged as an adult.
The unsealed records show that Wren agreed to plead guilty last October in exchange for a government offer to lower the charge against him from first-degree felony murder while armed to second-degree murder while armed. Wren also agreed to plead guilty to charges of conspiracy to kidnap Rivers while armed with co-defendant Anthony Hager, 23, and conspiracy to rob Rivers while armed with a firearm. Hager was 22 at the time of the murder.
Judge Herbert Dixon also sentenced Wren to seven years on the two conspiracy charges but agreed to a request by Wren’s defense lawyer to allow the two sentences to run concurrently, limiting the total time served to 12 years.
The U.S. Attorney’s office moved to have the court records unsealed following inquires by the Washington Blade, which discovered through unsealed court records that the government dropped its case against Hager, who was also charged with first-degree murder while armed in the River’s killing.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office determined that there was probable cause to arrest Anthony Hager in the murder of Mr. Rivers,” said William Miller, a spokesperson for the office. “However, the office later concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to meet the higher legal standard that is required to obtain and sustain a conviction.”
Miller noted that at the government’s request, the court dismissed the case “without prejudice,” which allows prosecutors to reinstate charges against Hager in the future if more evidence surfaces.
“The murder case remains under investigation,” he said.
Miller declined to disclose why prosecutors chose to seal the court records in the case against Wren, saying issues surrounding the sealing of cases are considered confidential. However, knowledgeable sources familiar with criminal cases before the D.C. Superior Court said cases are often sealed when defendants agree to cooperate with the government in the prosecution of another person charged with a crime. Such cooperation could potentially place a defendant at risk for retaliation, according to the sources, and sealing a case can sometimes protect the safety of the cooperating defendant.
Victims’ rights groups have sometimes complained that the sealing of cases also prevents the public from learning whether violent criminals are being prosecuted and sentenced appropriately.
Chris Farris, former co-chair of the D.C. group Gays and Lesbians Opposing Violence, said he was “outraged” that Wren could receive just 12 years for committing a murder and that Hager could get off “completely free” in the Rivers’ murder.
“Take away the gay angle, take away the history of hate crimes against our community, take away everything else, and I just find it incredibly stunning that one person in the case of a murder of someone who was fired on at point blank range five times gets 12 years in jail,” Farris said.
Court documents filed by the government and the defense in the case show that Hager allegedly conspired with Wren to force Rivers at gunpoint to drive the two to Rivers’ house in Maryland, where they planned to rob him of his valuables and steal his two vehicles. But the documents show that that Wren shot Rivers before Hager had a chance to enter the car.
Court records also show that authorities revoked Hager’s parole from an unrelated conviction for armed robbery in 2005 after learning of his arrest in the Rivers case. Miller said the parole revocation resulted in Hager being ordered to serve two more years for the earlier conviction.
Under the D.C. criminal code, Wren faced a possible maximum sentence of 70 years in prison for second-degree murder while armed with a firearm. First-degree murder while armed carries a maximum sentence of 90 years in prison under D.C. law.
Separate sentencing memorandums submitted by the defense and the U.S. Attorney’s Office asked Judge Dixon to consider mitigating factors that would justify a sentence significantly lower than the maximum sentence provided by law. Among other things, the two pointed to Wren’s cooperation with the government in the prosecution of Hager before the U.S. Attorney’s office decided to drop its case against Hager.
Defense attorney Spencer Hecht also states in his sentencing memorandum that Wren recounted that Rivers paid him for sexual encounters at Rivers’ house in Brandywine, Md., during a one-year period prior to the murder. Hecht’s sentencing memo says the sexual encounters began when Wren was 16.
“While the defendant unequivocally accepts responsibility for his extremely serious and dangerous conduct, and is extremely remorseful for taking the life of another, he offers the nature of his relationship with the decedent in mitigation,” Hecht says in his sentencing memo.
“The decedent was someone who preyed on the defendant’s youth, immaturity, and impressionability for a substantial period of time,” the memo says. “On frequent occasions, the decedent would contact the defendant and pay him to perform sex acts upon him. This is nothing less than child sexual abuse and rape – offenses which carry significant prison sentences.”
Hecht provides no evidence or substantiation of the alleged sexual encounters between Rivers and Wren other than Wren’s claim that they occurred. The sentencing memo doesn’t say where the two met or under what circumstances, only that the two met after Wren’s mother kicked him out of her home “because her live-in girlfriend believed the defendant a troublemaker.” His estrangement with his mother resulted in his having no fixed address, the memo says.
“It was during this period of time that the defendant began using and selling drugs and committing robberies of known drug dealers to support himself,” according to Hecht’s sentencing memo. “It was also during this period of time that the defendant met the decedent Gordon Rivers (aka ‘Mr. G’), when he (‘Mr. G’) propositioned him (the defendant) for paid sex,” it says.
The memo also states that Wren moved into a row house where his girlfriend lived at 2409 S St., S.E., seven months prior to the murder, saying his girlfriend’s residence provided him with a stable home. It says he has two children with his girlfriend, Breana Smith, with whom he had been in a relationship for two years at the time of the murder.
Gay activists have long complained that defendants who target gay men for assault, robbery and murder have often claimed, after being charged with such crimes, that the victim made a sexual pass at them that prompted them to assault or kill the victim in self-defense. Gay rights attorneys, who describe such a claim as the “gay panic defense,” have said prosecutors often lack the training or understanding to adequately contest this defense tactic.
Hecht did not return calls to his office seeking comment on the case and on his client’s allegations of sexual encounters between Wren and Rivers.
Miller, the spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s office, said he could not comment on whether his office considered Hecht’s allegations in the sentencing memo as an attempt to invoke the gay panic defense.
In its own sentencing memorandum, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recommended that the court sentence Wren to the “middle range” of sentences available to a court for the offenses to which Wren pleaded guilty. The government sentencing memo recommends that Dixon sentence Wren to some jail time but doesn’t object to the defense recommendation that he be sentenced under the D.C. Youth Rehabilitation Act.
The act allows judges to waive a required minimum sentence of five years in jail for a conviction or guilty plea to second-degree murder while armed. The memo adds, “The government does not oppose a motion by the defendant for a downward departure under the sentencing guidelines.”
In his sentencing order, Dixon did not indicate that he approved the defense request for a Youth Rehabilitation Act sentence.
The government’s sentencing memo describes Rivers as “an accomplished, well-loved man with family and friends who dearly miss him.” It says he was born in Alabama and was a retired veteran of the U.S. Navy who, at the time of his death, worked as an executive assistant with Raytheon Corporation in Arlington, Va., in a job he held for five years.
The government sentencing memo says Wren’s effort to express remorse over his action and the prospects that he could turn around his life in the future don’t offset the consequence of his behavior toward Gordon Rivers.
“The defendant preyed upon Mr. Rivers by taking advantage of the trust they shared, however inappropriate the foundation of the relationship,” the memo says. “And it was the defendant, not Mr. Hager, who got in the car, put the gun to Mr. Rivers, and pulled the trigger five times.”
The memo notes that Wren was “no newcomer to armed robberies,” referring to his own admission that he committed armed robberies against drug dealers in the months prior to his arrest in the Rivers case.
District of Columbia
Hotel Monaco launches Pride-themed suite ahead of WorldPride
Historic hotel unveils campy and artist Pride themed suite
Washington boasts many historic landmarks. From well-known spaces that have been around for at least a century — like the White House and Capitol — to lesser-known locations of historic significance, such as Frank Kameny’s house in Northwest that became the headquarters of the first gay civil rights organizing group in the U.S., it’s clear that history is not in short supply in Washington.
One space in the city with a historic past and grand — some may even say flamboyant — features is now attempting to make the most of history in the making, as Washington prepares to host its first-ever WorldPride celebration this June.
The General Post Office in Penn Quarter, built in 1866 to house the U.S. Post Office Department and U.S. Patent Office, is now home to the boutique Kimpton Hotel Monaco (700 F St., N.W.) Its Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture — complete with a marble façade, lion statues, and red carpet entrance — exudes luxury and opulence.
As WorldPride inches closer, with an estimated 2 million visitors expected during the two-week-long celebration, the Kimpton Hotel Monaco is unveiling a unique suite designed to reflect “the fun, eclectic, and vibrant nature of the LGBTQ community,” Michelle Ison, the Washington-based designer, founder of Picnic and Peonies, and creative mind behind the “Free to Fly” suite, told the Washington Blade during a special preview of the room.
The Pride Suite at Hotel Monaco bursts with color in every corner, each detail carefully curated to spark joy-or at the very least, inspire a vibrant Instagram story. Bright, Warhol-esque portraits of Dorothy and Sophia Petrillo frame the television, painted by local LGBTQ artist Wayne Hollowell, who-fun fact-also works in the hotel’s accounting department. Across the room, a classical Greek statue head is playfully adorned with David Bowie’s iconic Ziggy Stardust lightning bolt and crowned with green carnations, a clear nod to queer legend Oscar Wilde. Even the bed’s tray table serves as a tribute to LGBTQ culture, featuring a vintage copy of “The Wizard of Oz.” From camp icons to literary references, the suite is a love letter to queer popular culture, designed to be both comforting and celebratory.
The artistic centerpiece of the room is the 300 handmade butterflies that appear to flutter across the space, a “fun, labor of love” that truly makes this room stand out.
“The Free to Fly Suite was designed to celebrate love, freedom, and acceptance. At the heart of the room is a gradient butterfly mural, symbolizing transformation, movement, and the beauty of becoming your authentic self,” said Ison. “Alongside the mural, we incorporated a playful mix of colors and patterns that reflect the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. These design choices aren’t just aesthetic-they evoke energy, joy, and the dynamic individuality that the space is meant to honor.”
The room, which can only be booked through the Kimpton Monaco’s website, is available as a standalone stay with rates starting at $289 per night, or as part of the “Rainbow Recharge” package. The package includes a $100 credit for breakfast (or brunch) in bed from the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Dirty Habit; colorful Daise bath amenities; and a $10 donation to the national nonprofit the Trevor Project.
Regardless of whether guests book the room alone or as part of the package, they will receive two SuperGay Spirits canned cocktails, sweets from local LGBTQ-owned shop the Capital Candy Jar, and a daily complimentary single-ride promo code for Bird and Spin scooters and bikes-along with a curated map of historic Pride sites across Washington.
By collaborating with local LGBTQ businesses, Hotel Monaco DC is making it clear that supporting the LGBTQ community takes more than just putting up Pride flags in June.
“Through the creation of the Free to Fly Suite and partnership with brands supporting Pride, we hope to create an immersive guest journey that celebrates our core values and further supports and inspires our neighborhood’s contributions to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Kelsey Jones, director of sales and marketing for Hotel Monaco DC and Kimpton George.
To make WorldPride weekend even more special, guests staying over on Saturday, June 7, can get a complimentary “tiny tattoo” by a professional artist from NYC tattoo shop Tiny Zaps in the lobby’s Library from 1–7 p.m., a souvenir you can’t accidentally leave behind.
Additionally, the hotel lobby features a Pride photo op adorned with rainbow butterflies, also handmade by Ison.
Dirty Habit, the hotel’s swanky restaurant, will be decked out in its rainbow best-including more artwork from the accountant/artist Wayne Hollowell, with portraits of Liza Minnelli, Alyssa Edwards, RuPaul, and Judy Garland available for purchase. The restaurant will feature a special Pride cocktail menu and will host a WorldPride Drag Brunch with RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All-Stars winner Alyssa Edwards on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. After June, Hollowell’s artwork will be showcased at Provincetown’s Post Office Café and Cabaret.
The “Free to Fly” suite and the additional “Rainbow Recharge” package are available through October 11, which coincides with National Coming Out Day. To book the room, visit monaco-dc.com.
World Pride 2025
KINETIC Presents to offer six WorldPride nightlife events
Electrifying parties to celebrate inclusivity
WorldPride has arrived! Dozens of events are happening across D.C. over the next week, from the free weekend gatherings on Pennsylvania Avenue to marches, parades, sporting events, and conferences.
In the evening, parties abound and KINETIC Presents steps into the spotlight. Capital Pride Alliance has partnered with longtime local party producer KINETIC Presents, D.C.’s homegrown nightlife brand led by producers Dougie Meyer, Zach Renovates, and Jesus Quispe (aka “Mother Fantasy”), to host six official events for WorldPride DC 2025, including the highly anticipated Fabric of Freedom: Massive Main Event. Taking place in D.C. from Thursday, June 5, to Sunday, June 8, this landmark celebration promises an unparalleled fusion of music, entertainment, and community on a global scale. Renovates also owns Bunker and the new District Eagle.
“WorldPride is about bringing communities together for an unforgettable experience,” Renovates said. “With legendary global brands, top-tier talent, and a city ready to shine, this will be a Pride like no other.”
The KINETIC weekend begins on Thursday June 5 with the El Mozo party, which focuses on Latin circuit music. El Mozo is an LGBTQ+ entertainment brand out of Colombia’s circuit scene. In partnership with KINETIC Events and the LatinX History Project, El Mozo will present “Yes to All,” an electrifying party celebrating inclusivity.
On Friday, June 6, the weekend’s energy intensifies with UNCUT XXL, a circuit event featuring internationally renowned DJs Alex Lo, Eliad Cohen, and Las Bibas from Vizcaya.
“I’m incredibly excited to perform at Washington WorldPride,” says Cohen. “The last time I played in D.C. was unforgettable, the energy, the people, the love, it was all next level. Now, with WorldPride bringing together people from all over the world to celebrate who we are, it feels even more special.”
Saturday, June 7, marks the weekend’s flagship event, Fabric of Freedom: Massive Main Event. This indoor-outdoor space spans more than 100,000 square feet of dance floors across three stages: the WE Party Main Stage with world-renowned DJs; the Cherry Fund Stage with music curated by Cherry Fund; and the DiscoVERS Stage is set to be an “immersive disco haven” with DJs spinning nu-disco and disco house under lights with surprise pop-up performances.
The grand finale on Sunday, June 8, unites KINETIC Presents with Matinée, the legendary Barcelona-based festival that has dominated the international club scene for more than 26 years. Together, they will present LaLeche!, with more international DJs.
For those unwilling to let the night end, the AFTER WORLD: DC 2025 PRIDE AFTERS PASS grants access to two exclusive after-hours experiences running from 4-9 a.m. on June 7 and 8. Both events are immersive, high-energy dance parties featuring a world-class DJ lineup in an electrifying setting.
“As the producers of KINETIC Presents, we approached this WorldPride lineup with a mission to create an unforgettable, diverse, and high-energy experience that reflects the global spirit of Pride,” says Meyer. “This year, we took things to the next level by focusing on bigger production, more elaborate themes, and an even wider range of musical styles to cater to the diverse tastes of our audience. We also prioritized global representation, bringing in talent from different corners of the world to truly embody the essence of World Pride.”
“This is more than just a weekend of parties—it’s a global movement uniting people in Washington, D.C., to celebrate love, diversity, and Pride on an unprecedented scale,” says Meyer.
Cohen concluded that “Coming to D.C. for this event is deeply meaningful to me. We’ve come so far as a community, but as we know, there’s still work to do, especially in times when our rights and identities are being challenged. Pride is our time to stand united, shine brighter than ever, and remind the world that we are here, we are proud, and we are unstoppable.”
World Pride 2025
Jessica Stern, D.C. Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride conference
Human rights gathering to take place at JW Marriott
Jessica Stern, the former special U.S. envoy for the promotion of LGBTQ and intersex rights, and the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde are among those scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that begins on Wednesday.
Stern, who former President Joe Biden appointed in 2021, earlier this year said the Trump-Vance administration has “systematically dismantled” the work she and her colleagues did.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Spanish Sen. Carla Antonelli, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Rayceen Pendarvis are among those who are scheduled to speak at the conference that will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) through Friday.
Hotel Monaco launches Pride-themed suite ahead of WorldPride
White House has ‘no plans’ to recognize Pride month
KINETIC Presents to offer six WorldPride nightlife events
Jessica Stern, D.C. Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride conference
Judge blocks Trump’s order for prison officials to withhold gender affirming care
Shakira cancels WorldPride concert
Is compulsory NGO registration a death kneel to activism?
Bowser raises Pride flag over Wilson Building
Annapolis Pride postponed due to weather
