Matthew Wayne Shepard (December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998) was an American student at the University of Wyoming, who was attacked by Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney near Laramie, Wyoming on the night of 6 – October 7, 1998. He died from his injuries at Poudre Valley Hospital on October 12. The convicted murderers are currently serving life sentences in prison.[1]
Even though Henderson and McKinney were convicted of murder, they were not charged with a hate crime because the laws at the time did not support such a charge. Many people think the case should have been dealt with as a hate crime, particularly those who believe that Matthew Shepard was targeted on the basis of his sexual orientation.[2][3] Under current federal United States law [4] and Wyoming state law,[5] crimes committed on the basis of sexual orientation are not prosecutable as hate crimes.
In another thread someone brought this story up was searching it and found this information.
Even though Henderson and McKinney were convicted of murder, they were not charged with a hate crime because the laws at the time did not support such a charge. Many people think the case should have been dealt with as a hate crime, particularly those who believe that Matthew Shepard was targeted on the basis of his sexual orientation.[2][3] Under current federal United States law [4] and Wyoming state law,[5] crimes committed on the basis of sexual orientation are not prosecutable as hate crimes.
In another thread someone brought this story up was searching it and found this information.