Overview

• The first federal trial for a hate crime based on gender identity began in South Carolina, marking a historic moment in the fight against hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
• Daqua Lameek Ritter faces charges for the 2019 killing of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman, in a case that highlights the surge in violence against transgender individuals, especially women of color.
• Prosecutors allege Ritter killed Doe to silence her and avoid exposure of their secret relationship, amidst a backdrop of small-town rumors and societal stigma.
• The defense argues there is no physical evidence linking Ritter to the crime, emphasizing inconsistencies in witness testimonies and suggesting Ritter's actions were driven by fear of being outed.
• The trial is expected to set a precedent for future cases involving hate crimes based on gender identity, with Ritter facing multiple life sentences if convicted.