By Daqua Lameek Ritter, a South Carolina man, has been sentenced to life in prison for the December 2019 murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman from Allendale, South Carolina. The sentencing, handed down today, follows Ritter’s conviction on February 24 by a federal jury on all charges, including one hate crime count, one federal firearms count, and one obstruction count.
This case marks a significant milestone in the fight against hate crimes, as it represents the first guilty verdict in a trial under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act for violence against a transgender person. The verdict and subsequent sentencing underscore the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the rights of the LGBTQI+ community and prosecuting perpetrators of transphobic violence.
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer emphasized that the sentencing holds Ritter accountable for the “senseless murder of Dime Doe” and demonstrates the Justice Department’s resolve to prosecute violent acts of hate against the LGBTQI+ community vigorously.
The trial revealed that Ritter, motivated by anger over rumors about his sexual relationship with Doe, lured her to a remote area in Allendale on August 4, 2019, where he shot her three times in the head. The prosecution successfully proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Ritter murdered Doe because of her gender identity. Following the crime, Ritter attempted to cover his tracks by burning his clothes, disposing of the murder weapon, and repeatedly lying to law enforcement.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated that while the sentencing cannot bring Dime Doe back, it hopefully provides some comfort to her family and loved ones. Clarke reiterated the Department’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQI+ community and investigating and prosecuting transphobic-fueled violence.
U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina emphasized that protecting civil rights remains a top priority for their office, from small communities like Allendale to anywhere in South Carolina where hate and injustice occur.
The FBI played a crucial role in the investigation, with Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division stating that no one should live in fear because of their sexual identity or appearance. Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office expressed hope that the outcome brings a measure of closure to Doe’s loved ones.
The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Allendale County Sheriff’s Office, and Allendale Police Department. Prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brook Andrews, Ben Garner, and Elle Klein for the District of South Carolina, along with Trial Attorney Andrew Manns of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
This landmark case serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQI+ rights and the importance of continued efforts to combat hate crimes. It also highlights the effectiveness of federal hate crime legislation in bringing justice to victims of bias-motivated violence.
Source: DOJ
