In a case that has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ activists, a Texas man was recently acquitted in the murders of two drag performers in Fort Worth, leading to accusations of injustice and anti-LGBTQ+ bias.
Tragic End for Two Performers
Jason Bradley, a cisgender gay man, and London Starr, a transgender woman, both drag performers, were shot in their home on December 8, 2017. Bradley died at the scene, while Starr was left paralyzed and eventually died in 2022 due to complications.
The Trial of Fayaka Dunbar
Fayaka Dunbar, 32, faced trial for capital murder this September. The defense claimed self-defense over a dispute involving payment for a sex act, arguing that Bradley and Starr tried to extort Dunbar. However, the prosecution accused Dunbar of targeting sex workers for robbery.
Jury’s Surprising Verdict
On September 20, after a 10-day trial, the jury found Dunbar not guilty of capital murder and also dismissed other potential charges like murder and manslaughter. This verdict has been described as “extraordinary” given the usual outcomes in Tarrant County capital murder cases.
Challenges in the Prosecution
The case faced hurdles as London Starr died before giving a deposition, and the lead detective on the case passed away in 2018 with his case file missing. These factors possibly impacted the trial’s outcome.
Community Reaction
The Human Rights Campaign expressed indignation over the verdict, highlighting anti-trans and anti-sex worker sentiments used in the trial. Tori Cooper, from the HRC’s Transgender Justice Initiative, emphasized the need to combat such biases and fight for a world where such violence doesn’t recur.
Conclusion
The acquittal of Dunbar in this high-profile case has raised significant concerns about the justice system’s treatment of LGBTQ+ victims, especially in cases involving anti-LGBTQ+ prejudice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community.