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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2001

As Colorado prosecutors make their case in the beating death of a 16-year-old Navajo boy, his mother and activists question why the attack has not been labeled a hate crime.

Authorities say there isn't enough evidence to prove a motive in the death of Fred Martinez, an openly gay and transgendered teen. He was found beaten to death in a canyon near Cortez on June 16.

Shaun Murphy, 18 of New Mexico, has been charged with first-degree murder for the killing. He is alleged to have bragged about beating up a homosexual.

Get the Story:
Gay Youth's Death Shakes Colo. City (The Washington Post 9/1)

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