Last nght about 100 morners gathered at Harvery Milk Plaza in the Castro to hear speeches and mourn the tragic murder of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, a 19 year old transsexual in Puerto Rico who’s body was found on the side of the road decapitated, dismembered and partially burned. Outrage is pouring from the gay community due to the lack of respect and support from police departments when dealing with transexual cases in general and this case in particular when original investigating police officer made the televised statement: “people who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware this will happen.” The “alleged” murderer, Juan Matos, is using the “gay panic” defense.

Will the Matthew Shepard Act come into play in Puerto Rico? It is unknown if the prosecutors will charge Matos with a hate crime although the FBI is now involved.