In a significant development, a man from South Carolina has pleaded guilty to obstructing the investigation into the murder of Pebbles LaDime “Dime” Doe, a Black transgender woman. The tragic incident took place in Allendale County, South Carolina, on August 4, 2019, and marked the second killing of a trans woman in the state within a month.
Doe’s lifeless body, bearing evidence of gunshot wounds, was discovered slumped over the steering wheel of a car in the Concord Church and Barnwell roads area of the county. Earlier in the year, Daqua Ritter, 26, was charged with a hate crime for Doe’s murder due to her gender identity, along with the use of a firearm in connection with the hate crime and obstruction of justice.
Xavier Pinckney, 24, faced two obstruction charges for providing false and misleading statements to authorities investigating the killing. Recently, Pinckney pleaded guilty to a single count of obstruction of justice, admitting that he had lied to investigators about his contact with both Doe and Ritter on the day of Doe’s tragic death. Pinckney now faces a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years for this obstruction of justice offense, with the sentencing date yet to be determined.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized, “The defendant is being held accountable for trying to obstruct an investigation into the tragic murder of a Black transgender woman. Acts of violence against LGBTQI+ people, including transgender women of color, are on the rise and have no place in our society.”
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina echoed this sentiment, stating, “Hate has no place in South Carolina. The senseless murder of Dime Doe, and any act of violence against the LGBTQI+ community, confirms the need to confront hate in all its forms. Our office will continue to pursue justice for those impacted by bias-motivated crimes.”
Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office reaffirmed their commitment to justice, saying, “The defendant’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions in the pursuit of justice. The FBI and our partners remain determined to investigate crimes against marginalized communities and those who perpetrate them.”