Historic Federal Trial for Gender Identity-Based Hate Crime Underway in South Carolina

Daqua Lameek Ritter faces charges in the landmark case over the killing of Dime Doe, spotlighting the surge in violence against transgender individuals.

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.