Gay 17-year-old
Found Slain in Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Fla., police are investigating a possible hate crime in the case of a gay teenager who was shot and killed February 22.

Simmie Williams Jr. was assaulted by two men dressed in dark clothing around 12:45 a.m., according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Williams was wearing a dress at the time and was also locally known as "Chris" or "Beyonce." He later died at Broward General Medical Center.

The scene of the shooting was four miles from Williams's house, and police are questioning why he was in that area. Investigators are looking into whether he was involved in prostitution, as police say the area is popular with transgender prostitutes.

His mother told the Sun-Sentinel she wasn't aware her son wore women's clothing and that he was a quiet, happy person with many friends. She said in the report that he was occasionally a target for taunting but that he was able to brush off the comments.

Williams had signed up the previous Wednesday for Job Corps and planned on getting his GED and then going to culinary school. (The Advocate)