“Gay/trans panic” is still a valid legal defense in most states. A look at its origins and impact on LGBTQ+ community
The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Travis Ikeguchi, who had shot and killed Carleton after she confronted him in front of her store
‘I wanted to humanize the transgender experience’
Detectives learned the suspect made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag hanging outside the store before shooting the owner
Capitola Police said repeated thefts of the flags appear “isolated and targeted toward the demonstration of this particular flag”
Police said: “We are actively investigating that incident as an alleged hate crime,” but currently no suspects have been identified
He's been charged with murder in the second degree with a hate crime enhancement and also being charged with criminal possession of a weapon
The NYPD spokesperson would not confirm if the person in custody is the suspect detectives were searching for
GLAAD & ADL's research also found “more than 160 attacks against drag events and performers over the last year
"The effects of a hate crime can be devastating and long-lasting for both the individual victim and the larger community"
