Killer of Black Transgender Woman Gets Max Sentence
Human Rights Campaign Statement on Sentencing in Lateisha Green Murder Trial
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued the following statement on today’s sentencing of Dwight DeLee in the brutal murder of Lateisha Green, a 22-year-old African-American transgender woman, outside a Syracuse house party in November. DeLee was convicted on July 17 of first-degree manslaughter as a hate crime. Judge William Walsh sentenced DeLee to the maximum 25 years in prison.
“By ensuring the maximum sentence, this case sends a message in return: hate will not be tolerated, and we will fight it wherever it appears until all are safe to live their lives authentically and without fear,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Crimes such as this, motivated by prejudice and hate, are meant to send a message to transgender people that their very existence is not tolerated. As some in Congress question the prevalence of violent hate crimes against the LGBT community, this case provides another reminder of the transgender community’s desperate need for protection from hate violence and the need for action on a federal hate crimes bill.”
The Human Rights Campaign applauds the on-the-ground work by Michael Silverman of the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, along with the local Rainbow Alliance of Central NY and GLAAD. These groups worked closely with Green’s family and friends.
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
