CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
One of two suspects charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of a gay man, which sparked fears the man was targeted because of his sexual orientation, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Adam Hernandez, 21, entered his plea to manslaughter and felony theft in Montrose district court in Colorado on Thursday, The Denver Post reported. Hernandez and 24-year-old Jason Fiske were charged in the death of Kevin Hale, who prior to his slaying had already told police he had been threatened because he was gay. In exchange for the plea, prosecutors agreed to drop other charges, including first-degree murder, a conviction that carries a mandatory life sentence. As part of the plea, Hernandez will serve no more than eight years in prison and could be sentenced to probation, the Post reported. "I just hope for the best," Hernandez said as he left the courtroom with his family and Montrose assistant public defender Harvey Palefsky. Hernandez, Fiske, and Hale had been at a pub, and Hernandez told investigators he wanted to beat up Hale because Hale had made sexual advances toward him. Hale's body was found in a Montrose park July 31. Hale's cousin Stacy Scott spoke outside the courtroom on behalf of half a dozen family members who were there. "I hope he [Hernandez] gets what he deserves," Scott said. "They both just need to be put behind bars as far as I'm concerned. They still have their lives. My cousin doesn't." Hernandez will be sentenced May 24. Fiske is scheduled to enter a plea on April 26. "The D.A. definitely missed an opportunity here to promote awareness around bias-motivated violence," said Veronica Garcia with the Colorado Anti-Violence Program. "This leaves the door open to more crimes of violence or homicide in the future in the community." The day after the slaying, Fiske told police he placed Hale in a choke hold while breaking up a fight between Hale and Hernandez. The arrest affidavit said that Fiske told police he thought Hale was unconscious when they left him in the park. An autopsy showed Hale died of strangulation. It also showed that he was on epilepsy medication and had methamphetamine in his system. (AP)
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
18 of the most batsh*t things N.C. Republican governor candidate Mark Robinson has said
October 30 2024 11:06 AM
True
After 20 years, and after tonight, Obama will no longer be the Democrats' top star
August 20 2024 12:28 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Trump ally Laura Loomer goes after Lindsey Graham: ‘We all know you’re gay’
September 13 2024 2:28 PM
60 wild photos from Folsom Street East that prove New York City knows how to play
June 21 2024 12:25 PM
Melania Trump cashed six-figure check to speak to gay Republicans at Mar-a-Lago
August 16 2024 5:57 PM
Latest Stories
Kamala Harris stars in 'SNL' cold open that clowns Trump & reinforces her message of hope
November 03 2024 1:10 AM
Here's how DNC pollster Celinda Lake sees the 2024 election shaping up for Tuesday
November 02 2024 1:14 PM
LGBTQ+ voters in these 4 states could swing the 2024 presidential election
November 02 2024 12:53 PM
Missing bisexual rugby player Levi Davis could have been blackmailed: report
November 02 2024 12:40 PM
Michigan church fires beloved music director of 34 years over same-sex marriage
November 02 2024 12:37 PM
Gay U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen bridges divide in rural Illinois
November 01 2024 3:38 PM
For trans people reliant on federal programs, this election could change everything
November 01 2024 3:36 PM
Donald Trump threatens Liz Cheney with guns 'trained on her face:' The full context
November 01 2024 3:22 PM
Jill Stein's running mate, Butch Ware, caught in transphobic comments
November 01 2024 3:06 PM
These 24 violent extremist & anti-LGBTQ+ advocacy groups pose a danger to LGBTQ+ people
November 01 2024 2:45 PM
Iconic Harris-Walz camo hat costume dazzles D.C.’s pre-Election Day High Heel Race
November 01 2024 2:36 PM
New York Dem Ritchie Torres discusses the fight for LGBTQ+ representation as election looms
November 01 2024 2:22 PM
The Electoral College: Why do we have it and how does it — or doesn't it — work
November 01 2024 12:56 PM
Texas Republican leader openly uses 'gay' and the R-word as insults, faces no consequences
November 01 2024 12:16 PM
The Advocate saved my life. Here's how you can support our important work.
November 01 2024 10:59 AM
Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig battles for reelection to continue path toward LGBTQ+ equality
November 01 2024 10:54 AM
Mark Takano is leading the charge for LGBTQ+ representation and equality in Congress for 2024
November 01 2024 10:48 AM
Equalpride launches The Advocates with Sonia Baghdady
November 01 2024 9:00 AM