The following statement was issued by Judy Shepard, the president
of the Matthew Shepard Foundation on the murder of 19-year-old Jorge Steven López Mercado. Her son Matthew was murdered in 1998 after
being targeted because he was gay. The federal hate-crimes law, which was
expanded earlier this year to cover LGBT crime victims, was named
after him.


Dennis and I, and the entire board and staff of the Matthew Shepard
Foundation, stand with all who are grieving the loss of Jorge Steven
López Mercado in one of the most shockingly brutal hate crimes in
Puerto Rico’s history.


While we are grateful to the local law enforcement officials for their
swift work to apprehend the suspect in this terrible crime, we remain
deeply saddened that yet another family should have to suffer the pain
of such a tragedy, and that such breathtaking violence continues to be
directed at gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people who are
simply trying to live their lives honestly and openly.


For another young person to lose their life and be taken from their
family and community due to fear, prejudice and hatred is simply
unacceptable. Each of us who believe in freedom and equality must
remain vocal, active, and unrelenting in calling for justice.


Our thoughts are with Mr. López, all who knew and loved him, the
members of his community and the millions worldwide who have been
touched by his senseless death. Our family and the Foundation will
continue to work to prevent similar tragedies in any way we can.