Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado-gay teen found 11/13 dismembered Puerto Rico

[hooked2]

San Juan, Puerto Rico (CNN)-

Juan A. Martinez Matos was charged at a hearing Wednesday with first-degree murder and three weapons violations in connection with the killing of 19-year-old Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado. The teen's decapitated, dismembered and partially burned body was found Friday afternoon on a road in central Puerto Rico.

"What happened happened because I defended myself. I cut him and beheaded him and I accept it as a man." ~ Martinez Matos

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/19/puerto.rico.gay.slaying/index.html

This story was covered by Jane Velez Mitchell on Issues 11/19/09

Martinez reportedly picked up the victim in an area where prostitution is common. A prosecutor says the victim was dressed as woman and Martinez killed him after discovering he was actually a man.

The Puerto Rico Police Department removed the lead investigator for the case after he made some shocking comments about the victim. He was reported as saying, quote, "People who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware that this will happen."

http://edition.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0911/19/ijvm.01.html

[hooked2]

I saw this story for the first time last night on Issues... I was horrified and saddened by the details emerging in this case.

Brief synopsis: A 19 year old man allegedly dressed as a woman was picked up by a john and after discovering she was a he, the john apparently beheaded, dismembered, and burned him... in an act of self defense and/or panic.

Inappropriate and prejudicial statements have apparently been made by an LE and/or political official and jobs are on the line.

-- I will be the first to admit that a male prostitute dressed as a woman should be forthcoming about this fact prior to getting into any john's vehicle, simply for the sake of honesty. But it should not have to be done to ensure his physical safety nor should anyone upon this discovery be pardoned for murder by claiming 'gay panic' for then beheading, dismembering, and burning the prostitute. :cursing:

[SaraSidle]

none of this should be a reason for murder. another innocent goes to heaven