Arrest in Puerto Rico Gay Teen Murder

Maybe we should say the same thing when cops are killed.

The blame lies in unacceptance. Anyone who ever shunned his son or daughter. Anyone who didn't hire that gay or lesbian. Any teacher who let the gossip continue in their classroom. A government that refuses to equalize us. Prisons that don't even try to rehabilitate. Families that look the other way. Get involved, give a damn, voice your opinion. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Rod Wright

Has Angel Rodriguez been fired yet? His comments in support of the murderer/torturer's motives indicate he cannot do his job properly, and encourages rather than deters future hate crimes. He must go.

The facebook group for this case: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=320548070102 BTW, the police have said today that this will be charged as a hate crime, and that the boy being gay played a central role.

This story give no information as to who the person in custody is or what evidence they have linking him to the crime. I can stand the way Advocate.com does that on a regular basis. If they aren't going to give a full and accurate report they should either not report at all or give a link to the story they got their information from.

Those who are gay or whatever DONT choose to be..they are just that way just like people are straight. Why would someone CHOOSE to be attacked everytime they walk out there door. I dont see what the big problem is. Its called LOVE. People should stop worrying about what things should look like and how they are "supposed" to be and be more concerned with their own issues and families. Ugh....some people are ignorant and dont know how to think outside the box and stop being followers. Sad to hear of ANOTHER gay person being BRUTALLY murdered. =( RIP.

That is such BS, its his fault because he was gay... Wtf. That's like saying a wife who got brutally beaten to death is responsible for it because she was mexican, she knew this would happen. Open your eyes people. WE ARE ONE NO MATTER WHAT!

A man identified as Juan Antonio Martínez Matos, 26, confessed this morning to killing the young homosexual Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado in clashes on Friday. Attorney Joseph J. Bermudez won the confession of the individual who said he committed the act after Lopez Mercado "was suggested" sex offender's residence in Sector Brisas del Plata, in Cidra. Related Identified the possible murderer of young gay The prosecutor explained that after Martinez Matos noticing that his companion was a man came a discussion, during which young homosexual requested money, which was denied. Subsequently, as the story of confessed murderer, Lopez Mercado pulled a knife, grabbed the assailant and was buried in the neck. The prosecutor stated that Martinez Matos, a father of four children, went to the area of the town of Caguas "looking women." After being rejected his overtures to several females, Martinez Matos allowed Lopez Mercado, who wore a blue suit and boots - to address your vehicle. The arrested prosecutor assured the understanding that the person who had assembled in the car was a woman. However, upon learning that he was a man, reportedly angered by recalling that he had been sexually abused in prison while serving a sentence for domestic violence. Bermudez said that there is no doubt that the murder of Lopez Mercado eligible for prosecution as a hate crime. The murder of Lopez Mercado, 19, was found last Friday, when it appeared a body cut into pieces and burned in the neighborhood Guavate of Cayey. Since then the Police, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) discusses death. Inspects housing Meanwhile, the staff of the Institute of Forensic Sciences (ICF) decided to inspect the septic tank of the residence where he lives a confessed murderer. In the courtyard of the apartment was found a wig, a matress burned, burned PVC pipe, a knife and blood stains on the wall. Suspect's family watched from an adjoining house without making statements. However, one was identified as the father of the arrested. Gay community reacts Following the arrest last night, activists from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and transgender (LGBTT) have reiterated their call for the Police attend the crime as one motivated by hatred. However, so far, has not detailed what will settle the charges against the suspect. "Even if you blanket the presumption of innocence, it is encouraging that a suspect has been arrested for committing such heinous crime. We recognize, first of all, the work of the police who investigated this horrific killing quickly. We hope the investigation proves ultimately whether this murder was committed by sexual orientation bias of George Steven and if so, is prosecuted as a hate crime, with the full weight of law, "said gay activist, Pedro Julio Serrano in written statements. Moreover, the human rights defender also asked not to divert attention to the circumstances in which this murder occurred and not prosecute the victim but the criminal who committed the crime. This is because the young man who allegedly prostituted when the events occurred. "By recognizing the work of the press who gave voice alert and treated with sensitivity here, we ask that even though they may or may not be circumstances in which the murder occurred, do not divert attention from what is really important : a 19-year-old lost his life to be cruelly murdered by someone who had no compassion, even the slightest sensitivity to human dignity. Here we have to investigate, prosecute and give him his due process the criminal law. We can not allow the prosecution in any way a victim who no longer lives and who can not defend, "he said Serrano.

This is an outrage for my island. Angel Rodriguez the invesigator or whatever needs to be set straight. We have a whole lot of gays here in PR just like we have straights, blacks, whites and latins. There is no reason for THAT to be a reason for death. This needs to be investigated but its not confirmed that he was killed because he was gay.

Thank you Angel Rodriguez for proving the point that hate crime investigations need to be taken out of the hands of local authorities, who are often as bigoted as the criminals. My condolences to Jorge's family and friends.