Daqua Lameek Ritter of South Carolina was convicted of a hate crime in connection with the death of Black transgender woman Dime Doe following a historic federal trial.
This landmark case marks the nation’s first federal trial addressing a hate crime based on gender identity.
Ritter Found Guilty of Murder, Hate Crime, and Obstruction of Justice
Following approximately four hours of deliberation, jurors returned a verdict of guilty against Ritter for the murder of Doe in 2019.
In addition to the hate crime charge, Ritter was convicted of using a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting and obstructing justice.
The sentencing date has yet to be determined, but Ritter faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole.
Assistant US Attorney Brook Andrews emphasized the significance of the case in combating violence targeted against individuals based on their gender identity or any other protected characteristic.
The verdict reflects a commitment to justice and the protection of marginalized communities.
While previous federal prosecutions have addressed hate crimes based on gender identity, this trial marks the first instance of such a case proceeding to trial. In a notable precedent, a Mississippi man received a 49-year prison sentence in 2017 after admitting to the killing of a 17-year-old transgender woman as part of a plea deal.
The trial focused on the clandestine relationship between Doe and Ritter, revealing tensions arising from the exposure of their affair in the small town of Allendale.
Prosecutors argued that Ritter fatally shot Doe to prevent further disclosure of their romance, presenting evidence including witness testimony and text messages obtained by the FBI.
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Verdict in Ritter Case Marks Milestone for Transgender Rights
Despite assertions by the defense that no physical evidence implicated Ritter, prosecutors underscored the significance of circumstantial evidence, including Ritter’s distinctive left wrist tattoo captured in body camera footage from a traffic stop involving Doe shortly before her death.
Doe’s friends testified to her social transition as a woman following high school graduation, detailing her relationship with Ritter and the tensions that arose in their exchanges leading up to her death.
Text messages revealed Ritter’s efforts to conceal their relationship and his reaction to Doe’s grievances.
Witness testimony painted a damning picture of Ritter’s behavior following Doe’s murder, with friends recalling his uncharacteristic demeanor and attempts to evade law enforcement scrutiny. Testimonies from acquaintances highlighted Ritter’s apparent efforts to monitor developments in the investigation from afar.
As the trial unfolded, the courtroom witnessed the intersection of issues relating to hate crimes, gender identity, and intimate partner violence.
The verdict serves as a landmark moment in the fight against discrimination and violence targeting transgender individuals, signaling a resolute stance by federal authorities in pursuing justice for marginalized communities.
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