On November 14 the body of a gay 19 year old was found a few miles away from the town in which he was residing in called Caguas. He was a very well known person in the gay community of Puerto Rico, and very loved. He was found on the site of an isolated road in the city of Cayey, he was partially burned, decapitated, and dismembered, both arms, both legs, and the torso.
The police agent that is handling this case said on a public televised statement that "people who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware that this will happen".
The boy's name was George/Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado and he was 19 years old, according to the CNN iReport.
According to an iReport by Christopher Pagan, "He was a very well known person in the gay community of Puerto Rico, and very loved."
Pagan said, "Never in the history of Puerto Rico has a murder been classified as a hate crime. Even though we have to follow federal mandates and laws, many of the laws in which are passed in the USA such as Obama's new bill, do not always directly get practiced in Puerto Rico."
Pagan also noted the public remarks from a police investigator for the case that 'people who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware that this will happen'.
"It is inconceivable that the investigating officer suggests that the victim deserved his fate, like a woman deserves rape for wearing a short skirt. We demand condemnation of this investigator and demand that Superintendent Figueroa Sancha replace him with someone capable of investigating this case without prejudice."
I just met Pedro Serrano and Rea Carey, a few weeks ago in Portland...
I'm looking into finding out anything more about this terrible murder, as well as how the new federal hate crimes law works in Puerto Rico.
This hurts- nineteen years old. Just a kid, a few years older than my own. The same age I was when Charlie Howard was murdered in, 25 years ago...
If anyone has information to add, links, etc to this story, please do- and spread the word to help bring his killer(s) to justice.
I'm appauled at this. I can't believe that someone could do this to another person. It's unbelievable. This is such a horrific thing. I hope that they find who did it.
Just a suggestion to some of you, especially if you live in a less than accepting area- if you can, make sure you are with at least one other person, no matter where you go
J, he was caught it was in a different story, he is being tried for murder in the first degree as well as hate crime classification
11/18/2009 1:54 PM
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J
it's terrifying to think that it would go this far as to decapitate and dismember a human being. What kind of savage could do such a thing. I hope who ever is behind this is caught.
As for this investigating officer, he needs to be dealt with also.
11/18/2009 1:51 PM
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Addison
this is where i am from WOW so sad and really sick
I thought part of LGBT Liberation was also dealing with sexual liberation and freedom from Puritanical nonsense.
That said, I don't know how the media picks things up in some of your cities, as I'm aware of how anti-gay the media bias tends to be in some cities, but I've said it before, and I'll say it again: nothing abour Pride Parades is the "reason" there's anti-gay bigotry.
They may very well use them as an excuse, but don't fool yourself into thinking, for one minute, that a Pride Parade full of men and women in business suits would mean Legalized gay Marriage.
People who are anti-LGBT will be anti-LGBT no matter what they see in a parade. And any gay man who cares more about the scantily clad aspects of the parade instead of the families that take part, and the fact that all the people involved are past the "hiding" aspect of being gay...well...I think that really says something.
If you think pride parades should showcase more of what "you" are as an LGBT person, you should get your friends and family together, and march in the parade, representing yourself.
11/18/2009 1:27 PM
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Ted
Sex sells, so the more sexual/sexy parts of the gay pride parades are what ends up on television, unfortunately. Who do you blame? The small percentage of people who act in an over-sexual manner? The organizers of the parades? The people who go to the parades? The media? The consumers of the media? It's just something we need to deal with.
the thing about gay pride celebrations is that they are what you want them to be. if my sixtysomething parents can love them enough to march in them, then surely you guys can get over whatever you think it is you have an issue with and at least see the Good that they do.
The thing about gay pride parades is some of them turn sleezy and sometimes people show way to much. If it's a parade keep it a parade not a sleezy show. I wouldn't want straight men and women in a parade who show to much, the same goes for a gay parade. (TO BRIAN)
The mentality behind the statement made by the police investigator has to be changed. They should give sensitivity training to police officers and in classrooms. Just as sexual harassment awareness has had to be taught to help stop it, so must the idea that it is ok, or to be expected for Gay people to get beat up or murdered be taught as wrong and unacceptable. Even if you don't agree with homosexuality it is still wrong to attack or kill someone based on who they are and their preferences. I have a friend who lived in Puerto Rico before and he said that COPs would beat up gay people. How are they to be expected to protect gay people if they do that? Some other islands and places on this planet it is considered ok to hurt and kill people just because they are gay and that has to be called out as wrong, unjust and made unlawful and enforced. They might want to look into if the police force had anything to do with this incident and the USA should make Puerto Rico have to adhere to more of our laws, since they have the benefits from this Country.
I'd like to see comments on this story from all the guys on this site who post against gay Pride celebrations/protests. I do not see how any gay man can deny that gay-bashing still exists when things like this still happen.
What have we learned from Matthew Shepard? nothing.. even in Wyoming there is this whisper smear campaign against a man who is dead and cannot defend himself. Even if Meth was involved, does that give people a right to do what they did in Laramie? I don't believe he was strung like a scarecrow to die in a field because of meth. The guys in Wyoming and elsewhere have very conflicted and selfish motivations to promulgate that crap. Again after ten years we have learned nothing and the gay community doesn't even effectively believe as a whole that stopping violence against all gays is an issue worth fighting for.
i read up further on this and to add to my broken heart is that the victim was a Philadelphia resident...that's less than an hour away from my Allentown residence...
AFTER ACCEPTING MY HOMOSEXUALITY AT 15, THIS IS EXTREMELY SAD. I THANK GOD AND MY FRIENDS FOR ACCEPTING ME AND KEEPING ME SAFE. GOD'S SPEED FOR HIS FAMILY. LET US IN THE GAY AND EVEN STRAIGHT COMMUNITY FIGHT FOR JUSTICE FOR ALL. PERIOD. WE ARE EACH MAN'S KEEPER. EVERYONE,BE SAFE AND WATCH OUT FOR OTHERS.
Oh my god! this is so sad! i started tearing up just reading the headline... That cop should be dismembered and burned! I hate inconsiderate jerks like that!
The US and its "territories" are not the only places were there immune to this crazy behavior, as present and past history proves. People just suck no matter WHERE they are in the world, closed minded,uneducated and unforgiving! This country is very conservative and uneducated in general compared to most civilized first world countries. So for me it's not a surprise.
... ... ... I'm actually rather pissed off about this. Especially the remark made by the detective. To think I was thinking of vacationing there. Appearantly it's too dangerous.
Lark, I have to agree with LC- I think you misinterpreted what the investigator said. However, you ARE on the right track for what we, as gay people, should start to do
11/18/2009 6:49 AM
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Tanner
That police agent needs to go fuck himself with a rose bush. What a dick thing to say. I hope they can catch who did this and lock them up forever.
It is sad that this happened and the investigator should be ashamed. Considering that Puerto Rico is the most tolerant of all of the carribean islands, it is still a very conservative and prejudiced place. There are some parts of the island I wouldn't set foot in. It will be interesting to see if the GLBT community stands up against the investigator. It will also be interesting to see how U.S. law is applied in the free-associated state and U.S. Territory where the law and enforcement of the law is very different than on the mainland.
This is absolutely disgusting. No one should have to endure such a viscous act. The investigator of this crime needs to think before speaking such trash. "People who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware that this will happen" ... I'm sorry I have to disagree. Just because you live life a certain way should not condemn one to be tortured and killed. The case should be highlighted to show how hate leads to unimaginable outcomes.
11/18/2009 12:36 AM
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LC
Lark, I think youre taking the wrong message from what the investigator is saying..
11/18/2009 12:26 AM
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Lark
The police investigator has a point: we DO need to be more aware that these things happen. I strongly urge everyone to take at least a basic self-defense class and adopt a buddy system to let folks know when you've safely arrived at your destination, or even travel in pairs.
I am so sad that this happened to this young man. John's quote from the suspect says that he will trot out the same tired and inexcusable 'gay panic' defense we have heard all too many times. This is a person who, if he is guilty, DISMEMBERED AND BURNED this young man's body. No telling what kind of terror he inflicted on his victim before he killed him. The people of Puerto Rico also should be ashamed that the police agent who is investigating the case would blame the victim the way he did... he deserves to get fired from his position.
What is this world coming to. First it's because of color, race, difomity's, and physical problems and sicknesses and now it's because of sexual orientation. Payback will come one day to those who hurt others because of being themselves.
vivo actualmente en puerto rico ,soy gay y dia a dia veo como la juventud se pierde en nuestras calles.. aveces me pregunto? estas cosas tienen que suceder de esta manera?.....creo que este ejemplo pondra a muchos de estos jovenes a pensar en que no solo la calle, las drogas y el jangueo es la unica alternativa ya sea para olvidar problemas , encontrar el dinero sea por necesidad o por ambicion........la vida es una , creo que a tan corta edad no pudistes descubrir cual era tu proposito de vida que descanses en paz amiguito/............mis oraciones a ti........
soon theyll probably decapitate me.....oh wait i forgot , i dont have a head anyways.
11/17/2009 6:32 PM
1|0
Ted
Saying one thing leads to another is not the same as saying he had it coming. I hope whatever he meant, killings like this are not routine for anyone in any "lifestyle."
11/17/2009 5:53 PM
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Jay
It's not just people being "small minded". Don't let them get away with JUST being "small minded". You are a detestable bane of society if it ever enters your psyche that doing something like this to another human being is justified on any level.
WTF is wrong with people. Im sure this young man was just minding his own business living his life...and this is what happens. JESUS people stop the H8 already.
haha very funny Doug....Most of my family doesnt know im gay just because they are strong believers in traditions they dont understand ask they call it "American way"no offense to anyone Just say Strong Catholic family...but thanks for the warning lol
I just got a message about a possible Vigil in NYC if anyone is interested.
IN MEMORIAM - JORGE STEVEN LOPEZ MERCADO
Type:
Causes - Rally
Network:
Global
Date:
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Time:
8:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:
DOWNTOWN TBA
City/Town:
New York, NY
Description
LOCATION: DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN, TBA
BRING: CANDLES FOR YOU AND OTHERS
***IF YOU DO NOT LIVE IN NYC AND WANT TO DO YOUR PART, SEE END OF MESSAGE***
---
"19 year old aspiring fashion artist Jorge Steven López Mercado was found on Friday night decapitated, dismembered and partially burned. According to authorities, the investigation has shown that it is indeed a hate crime." (source: Current)
"The police investigator suggested that he deserved what he got because of the 'type of lifestyle' he was leading." (source: Towleroad)
---
Please, please invite all of your friends to a vigil honoring Mercado, specifically, and all others who have been murdered, beaten, and otherwise terrorized for their sexuality or semblance thereof.
The queer community in Puerto Rico needs to know we support them.
WE MUST FUNNEL OUR SADNESS INTO AN OUTPOURING OF RIGHTEOUS OUTRAGE.
We must show the government, the media, and the oppressors that to systemically target one group for its appearance or mannerisms--and then subject them to violence explicitly for those criteria--is INTOLERABLE.
as puertorriqueño yo no se por qué la sociedad norteamericana es tanta diferente de lo nuestro quizá cause nuestras familias tradiciones son diferentes aún les i dont think que se merecía este Puerto Rico siempre será independiente porque ellos nunca estarán de acuerdo a la sociedad americana
Mis oraciones están con Mercado familias
Doug "gay panic" is pánico gay in spanish not much difference
Personally, Todd, I think someon "liberal" CAN be supportive of the death penalty. Hate to use the rabid animal analogy again, but in most cases, it applies
i know this subject matter is where i lose my "liberal" badge with the "sensitive fringe unit" of connexion, but i love the death penalty for cases such as this.
11/17/2009 9:50 AM
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Ryan
I think we also need to consider the deterring aspects of hate crimes legislation. After reading more on it, I've learned that a lot of groups don't support hate crimes legislation, as it seems to only incarcerate people longer, and it's pretty clear, at least to me, that prisons aren't exactly breeding grounds for tolerance.
Perhaps instead of spending energy to prolong sentences for those who commit crimes based upon animus we should be educating the public as to why this animus isn't appropriate. As Ted mentioned, there are already crimes in place that will serve to lock the perpetrator up here for a long time. If law enforcement isn't going to prosecute this crime vigorously based upon the victim, they're surely not going to prosecute a hate crimes enhancer, either.
Lol, Todd, I hear the great white sharks off of the Baja Penninsula are hungry, if they find the killer, perhaps they can give him a paper cut, then drop him in the midst of a school of them
11/17/2009 9:43 AM
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todd
meant to say, i'm just not worried.
11/17/2009 9:43 AM
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todd
doug,
um no. shepard's killer are serving two consecutive life sentences.
i don't mean to "hammer" this point so i'll try to stop after this one. lol. i just don't see how you can get off easily, or easier, when you decapitate a human being. the force, strength, and determination it takes to do that is amazing.
i'm just worried. whoever did this is going to pay with their life, in more ways than one i'm sure.
I agree, Todd, however, they could easily pull the "gay panic" defense, and end up getting a more reduced sentence. He wasn't dismembered and burned, but didn't Matthew Sheppard's killers end up only getting sentenced with "manslaughter", instead of "murder"?
11/17/2009 9:29 AM
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todd
i'm sorry but stabbing someone multiple times is, in my humble opinion, nothing compared to this atrocity.
"i really don't think the "gay panic" defense has an iceball's chance in hell."
As has been proven on the mainland, even when someone is stabbed multiple times, the "snowballs" that killed them last quite a long time without melting
You shouldn't just dismiss Foxx as a goofy old lady. although that maybe true, she is one of many many Christians that feel that way. She's one of MANY Christians who dehumanize us, devalue us, make us less human which is an invitation to do things like this. She's also in the HR making and influencing law.
11/17/2009 9:16 AM
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todd
don,
i agree with you but i seriously don't think you have to worry about decapitating ever being acceptable in any way.
if they want to pursue this as a hate crime, i'm fine with that. what's an extra 100 years when you've already been sentenced 120, right?
if he gets death then just shock him with some extra voltage. i'm cool with that.
i really don't think the "gay panic" defense has an iceball's chance in hell. the boy was decapitated and dismembered. that goes way beyond to killing someone to defend yourself.
"i don't think we have to worry about the perp, or perps, getting a light sentence."
Unless the jury and judge fall for the "gay panic" defense- I wonder, how does one say "gay panic" in Spanish?
11/17/2009 9:11 AM
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Ted
I agree that the general attitude of treating gay people as inferior adds to the frequency of crimes like this against gay people though.
11/17/2009 9:09 AM
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Ted
Rep. Fox is a goofy old lady and a bigot (not unusual for goofy old people), but I don't believe her understanding that Matthew Shepard was not a hate crime did anything to encourage some guy in Puerto Rico to kill a gay person. Whoever did this is crazy, so who knows, but that's not a logical step to make.
In Wyoming at the time, no one was prosecuted for a hate crime, but the death penalty and life imprisonment were both on the table. How was that not sufficient?
Of course what happened to this poor guy is illegal but as long as these Christians, like Rep. Virginia Foxx of NC, keep demonizing us, making us less human, it makes it more "acceptable" to do harm to someone who is gay. When something like this becomes a "hate crime" it's a start at ending that dehumanizing attitude toward the protected class.
it's not whether it's a "hate crime" or not, it's the attitude and rhetoric.
11/17/2009 9:04 AM
0|-1
todd
ted,
right on. i support hate crimes legislation but this horrific act is pretty, ahem, cut and dry. it's illegal to decapitate and dismember people, period.
i don't think we have to worry about the perp, or perps, getting a light sentence.
11/17/2009 8:59 AM
0|-1
Ted
Hate crimes legislation is not required to make this illegal. Will people stop with that?
Will Representative Fox from NC call this a hoax too? This young man's blood is on her hands and her christian wackos ilk's hands. This horrific act is also on all their hands.
OMG i feel so sad his life cut so short i hope they find the people responsible for this hate crime.. My prayers go out to his family..
11/17/2009 6:54 AM
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Bill
unbelievable. You hear shit like this and it just makes you want to cry.
11/17/2009 12:09 AM
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Brian
Fucking disgusting, but not surprising.
11/16/2009 11:28 PM
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YANN
after my visit to san juan in january...i would never have thought that this could go down any where on that beautiful island!!! but maybe it's beauty is masking what i have heard about...machismo?
That police agent should be forced to make a public apology, then swiftly terminated. No one deserves to be murdered, decapitated, and burned for living their truth.
BLOOD AND BLOODY ASHES!! This is an OUTRAGE! ! ! ! WE SHOULD BE UP IN ARMS. . IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER IT WAS A HATE CRIME OR NOT. THIS IS HORRID. TERRIBLY HORRID! ! ! !
I'm looking into finding out anything more about this terrible murder, as well as how the new federal hate crimes law works in Puerto Rico.
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