Gay West Palm Beach Club Owner Murdered

The owner of West Palm Beach, Fla., gay hot spot H.G. Roosters was found beaten and stabbed to death Friday in his condominium, the Palm Beach Post reported Saturday. Also discovered was the body of the owner's ex-boyfriend hanging from a strap slung over a closed bedroom door.

Police went to Michael Brown's home about 5 p.m. Friday after he failed to show up for work or answer phone calls. They found his body inside as well as the body of his ex-boyfriend, Brant Hines.

Neighbors heard "shouting and crashing" late Wednesday night, the Post reported. On Thursday Hines was spotted with a black eye when he came out to walk Brown's dogs and assist a neighbor who had lost some apartment keys. Police believe Hines killed Brown about that time and himself hours later.

Members of the community gathered at a candlelight vigil held Saturday night at H.G. Roosters. Brown was a known philanthropist in several circles. Last year he was presented with the Comprehensive AIDS Program's Fundraiser Extraordinaire Award. He also raised money for organizations such as Toys for Tots.

Brown's bar was not only a local community spot for the LGBT community, but it also "was about making sure that gay people had a place to go and feel comfortable," Tim Carey, one of Brown's friends, told the Post. (The Advocate)