The Murder of Matthew Shepard

The split rail fence adorned with flowers in Matthew’s memory.

June is known as Pride Month for those who identify as LGBTQ+. The month is filled with beautiful events for those in the community to unabashedly be themselves. The month and its celebrations mark how far we as a nation have come in accepting those who identify as queer. While the nation has made great strides, there are facts we cannot ignore. LGBTQ+ individuals are 4x more likely than the average person to be a victim of violence (UCLA School of Law Williams Institute). But, we must acknowledge that the numbers are higher than estimated. This is due to the fact that nearly half of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes go unreported. For those who are in the community, this is not a surprise. The gut-wrenching reality is that being queer in America (and globally) is dangerous. In recent years, the media has improved on sharing the stories of these victims. Still, it is not by any means the full picture. Nonetheless, it is an improvement. To understand this change, the story of Matthew Shepard must be told.

Before he became the poster child for the movement posthumously, Matthew Shepard was a normal boy. Matthew, or as his friends and family called him, Matt, was born in Casper, Wyoming on December 1, 1976. His parents, Judy and Dennis Shepard, welcomed his brother Logan in 1981. The two brothers were incredibly close. For all intents and purposes, the Shepards were a tight knit and loving family. Judy recalls Matthew coming out to her after he graduated high school as an unsurprising event. Explaining that she could always tell her son was gay. Judy remembers that Matthew never seemed interested in the countless young girls that had a crush on him growing up. Dennis also had suspicions about his son’s sexuality, but Matthew did not come out to Dennis until about a year after he told Judy. But, Dennis believed it was wrong to question Matthew until he was ready. So, he waited until his son felt comfortable. But at the end of the day none of this really mattered, Matthew’s parents loved him deeply.

Outside of the home, Matthew struggled. He was a small boy, only reaching 5’2” and barely over 100 lbs. by the time he died. His size and lack of interest in male activities such as sports, made him a target. But, this never changed Matthew. His family and friends recall him always being a kind and accepting person, in spite of the treatment he received. Towards the end of high school, Matthew’s family made a large move to Saudi Arabia. However, due to the lack of American schools in Saudi Arabia, Matthew finished his high school education at The American High School in Switzerland. At his school in Switzerland and in America, he was elected by his classmates as a peer counselor. Affirming his loved ones remarks that he was incredibly personable and loving. This role was an extension of his passion for fighting for equality.

While in Switzerland, Matthew took an interest in theatre, but also learning German and Italian. It was no surprise that in no time Matthew had a great group of friends by his side. During his senior year, Matthew and three friends took a trip to Morocco. Sadly, the trip yielded events that nobody expected. One night after his friends went to sleep, Matthew found himself restless. He silently left his friends and went to a local coffeehouse. While there, he chatted with a group of German exchange students. After leaving the coffeehouse, Matthew was robbed and raped six times by a group of local men. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. There is no source claiming it to be a hate crime. Many believe his small size was enough to make him a victim. Matthew and the Moroccan police worked feverishly to find his attackers. But it was no use. After leaving Morocco, Matthew returned home to live with his parents. His mother, Judy, recalled him never being the same. He suffered from anxiety, paranoia, nightmares, and other symptoms aligning with those of PTSD. Although he was in therapy, Matthew still struggled daily with the trauma caused by the attack. Matthew ricochet between fearing people and forcing himself into dangerous situations to counteract the fear he felt was irrational.

The following fall of 1995, Matthew enrolled in Catawba College in North Carolina to study political science. Shortly after, he transferred to Casper College in Wyoming to continue his education. It was at his time attending Casper College that he was introduced to Romaine Paterson. Romaine was a lesbian woman part of a LGBT friend circle. Her whole group welcomed Matthew with open arms. But, he was without a doubt closest to Romaine. A few months after they met, Romaine moved to Denver, Colorado. It was not long before Matthew followed her there. While in Denver, Matthew worked a few small jobs while Romaine worked in a coffee shop. Matthew spent most of Romaine’s shift sitting in the shop talking to strangers. Romaine recalls him befriending a homeless man. Matthew proceeded to take this man out every week for lunch.

While in Denver, Matthew’s depression began to engulf his life. He even went as far as looking into an assisted living home, Karis Community, run by mental health professionals. Instead, Matthew enrolled in his parents’ alma mater, the University of Wyoming in the fall of 1998. While at U.W., Matthew continued studying political science, but declared a minor in languages. At first, Matthew and his family were hopeful about his new school. Matthew was also excited about living in the small town of Laramie, he thought it would be good for him. Everyone decided that if Matthew’s depression or ADHD were too much for him, they would find a new approach at the end of the semester. Such as more intense therapy to help Matthew cope with his mental illnesses. Hope quickly fizzled away. As September of 1998 came to a close, Matthew only seemed to be getting worse. He was struggling with his upcoming midterm season, his fear of failure was eating him alive.

Judy vividly remembers the last words she ever spoke to her son. The conversation started the day before, on Saturday October 3rd. That morning her and Matt had gotten into an argument over the phone. Matthew, who had just gotten back to his home in Laramie with a friend, had overdrawn his bank account. This was a common occurrence for the student. According to Matthew’s aforementioned friend, Tina, Matthew immediately felt remorse for the way he had spoken to his mother on the phone. However, Matthew and Judy did not talk again until Sunday morning. It was during that phone call that Matthew apologized to Judy and promised to do better. Before the call ended, Judy told Matthew, “I love you too. Be safe.” This was a common way for the two to end their calls, Judy always told Matthew she loved him before reminding him to stay safe. A beautiful sentiment to leave her son during their last phone call. Judy had no idea the horror her son would endure just a day later.

Around 10 P.M on October 6th, Matthew drove his Ford Bronco to the Fireside bar, who was hosting a karaoke night. This bar in particular is remarked as a gay friendly bar. Not a gay bar, with a majority of their patrons being gay, but gay friendly. Presumably, the Fireside was not targeted towards gay patrons, but it was a safe place to enjoy the evening. Thus, making the following sequence of events a little easier to understand. Around midnight, a man named Aaron McKinney approaches Matthew at the bar. He asked Matthew if he could have a cigarette, he obliged. It is unclear how Russel Henderson, a friend of McKinney’s became involved in the conversation. But, it was not long until both men had convinced Matthew they were gay. Between 12:15 and 12:30 A.M., the men had offered to take him home (it is unclear if this meant for sex or if Matthew was too intoxicated to drive his Bronco).

Once in the pick-up truck Henderson was driving, the men began driving Matthew in a direction that was not home. It was during this time that McKinney began pistol whipping Matthew with his gun, forcing Matthew to hand over his wallet. But, the beating did not stop. Once on a dirt road, McKinney savagely dragged Matthew out of the car. Henderson, who claims the order was given by McKinney, was the one who tied Matthew to a split-rail fence. Once he could no longer defend himself, the two men continued to savagely beat and torture Matthew. He was beaten until he was unrecognizable. His face was completely covered in blood. Except for under his eyes, where his tears had washed his skin clean.

Clingling onto life, scared, alone, and in near freezing temperatures, Matthew remained tied to that fence. Around 18 hours later, at 6 P.M. on October 7th, a cyclist found Matthew. Originally, he believed Matthew was a scarecrow on account of his disfigured face. Barely alive, Matthew was rushed to Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie. However, his severe injuries warranted a transfer to a more advanced trauma unit in Powder Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. His injuries found during his treatment were, a fracture in front of his right ear, one to the back of the head, and several cuts on his face and neck. A result of the injuries was severe brainstem damage. The brainstem is responsible for all autonomous functions essential for human life. Such as temperature regulation, heart rate, breathing, etc. Unfortunately, his injuries were too severe for medical intervention. Instead, Matthew was placed on life support. While his son fought for his life, Dennis drove to Wyoming to find Matthew’s cherished stuffed rabbit he adored since childhood. The purple stuffed bunny, now tattered, sparked hope in Dennis. He believed that if Matthew could hold something so familiar and comfortable, that he would finally wake up. An idea that he never gave up hope for. During his six days on life support, he never regained consciousness. At 21 years old, Matthew was pronounced dead at 12:53 A.M on October 12th, 1998. Dennis was not able to find the bunny in time.

Matthew Shepard December 1, 1976

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October 12, 1998

It did not take long for the world to hear of Matthew’s assault. During his coma, candlelight vigils were held across the world. The LGBTQ+ community was not only horrified, but heartbroken. During one vigil, Ellen DeGeneres, a lesbian icon at the time, struggled to share a speech through her tears. She was not the only celebrity who spoke out in support of Matthew. Quickly, most of the world became irate on Matthew’s behalf.

Just hours after the attack, McKinney and Henderson were arrested. In fact, they were arrested before Matthew was even found. After they abandoned Matthew, they returned into town. It was there that they picked a fight with Emiliano Morales, and Jeremy Herrara. Once the fight was broken up, Morales and McKinney had some noticeable head wounds. After the arrest of the two assailants, the pick-up truck Matthew was abducted in a short time ago was searched. In there, officer Flint Waters discovered a bloody gun and Matthew’s shoes and credit card. After Matthew was discovered, it was not hard to figure out who had attacked him.

Prior to Matthew succumbed to his injuries, the men were charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery. However, obviously after the death of Matthew they were additionally charged with first degree murder. They were officially eligible for the death penalty. The men’s girlfriends, Kristen Price and Chasity Pasley, were charged as accessories after the fact. This was because the men tasked them with providing false alibis and disposing of evidence. It was decided that all four suspects were going to be charged and tried separately.

The following trial events occurred in such order:

• November 1998: During the pre-trial hearing of McKinney, Sergeant Rob Debree shared a disturbing testimony about a conversation he had with the defendant. During his October 9th interview, McKinney admitted to attacking Matthew after he had placed his hand on his thigh. Remember, both murderers convinced Matthew they were gay. Matthew was not by any means trying to seduce or assault a straight man. Another testament of his hatred towards the gay community came from his own girlfriend, Kristen Price, who told Detective Ben Fritzen that Matthew’s attack was a direct result of McKinney’s hatred of gays.

• December 1998: Palsey pleads guilty to accessory after the fact in first degree murder

• April 1999: In an effort to avoid trial, Henderson pled guilty to the murder and kidnapping charges. In order to avoid the death penalty, Henderson agreed to testify against his friend. Therefore, Henderson was sentenced to two consecutive life terms. During his sentencing, his lawyer argued the attack on Matthew was not fueled by homophobia. A claim that most do not believe.

• October-November 1999: Prosecutor Cal Rerucha told jurors McKinney’s own story of how they lured Matthew into the truck. McKinney’s girlfriend solidified this claim by testifying that McKinney told her they pretended to be gay in order to rob Matthew. In a disgusting retaliation, McKinney’s lawyer attempted to use the gay panic defense. Meaning, McKinney was so disgusted by Matthew’s sexual advances, that he became irate and was clinically insane during Matthew’s assault. Thus, he is not responsible for the death. Thankfully, this defense was quickly shot down by the trial judge. Who ruled this specific defense could not be used. Instead, his lawyer decided to just tell the jury that he should not have been charged with first degree murder. This was because he claimed they did not plan to kill Matthew. Pre-meditaion is a requirement in the charging and conviction of a first degree murder offense. The jury was unable to convict McKinney on first degree murder, they did not think the crime was pre-meditated. But, they did convict him of felony murder. Meaning, a murder that is committed during the execution of a different crime. In this case it was murder committed during a robbery. After speaking to Matthew’s parents, McKinney was offered the same sentence as Henderson. Both men were sent to Wyoming State Penitentiary post-conviction. Later on, both men were transferred out due to overcrowding.

• November 1999: Price pleads guilty to her charges after her testimony.

It seemed as if everyone in his life found a way to become deeply involved in activism for LGBTQ+ people. At Matthew’s funeral and at his murderer’s trials, members of the Westboro Baptist Church protested. They made hateful signs about gay people, and Matthew himself. Some signs even saying “Matt in Hell” and “God hates f**s”. Matthew’s friend Romaine could not stand to watch these hateful people torture Matthew’s family. As retaliation, her and a group of people dressed as angels with extremely large wings. They would stand between the protesters and the Shepard’s. This eventually became known as a group called Angel Action. The group of angels began shielding as many families as they could from hateful protestors. In 1998 Judy and Dennis Shepard founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Their goal was to help the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on the younger members. 15 years after his death, Matthew’s friend, Michele Josue, created the award winning documentary, “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine”. Her beautiful, but painful documentary brought Matthew’s name back into the public. Reminding everyone of his brutal death so many years later. By 2019, Matthew was inducted into the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor in Stonewall National Museum.

Romaine Patterson’s group, Angel Action

Matthew became the catalyst for change in the United States. At the time of Matthew’s death, there were no federal or Wyoming laws that deemed an attack based on sexual orientation as a hate crime. In 1998, hate crimes only covered crimes based on racial discrimination. Therefore, Matthew’s murder could not be charged as a hate crime. Which almost everyone believed it was. Just hours after Matthew was admitted to the hospital, his friends began calling everyone they could, they needed the media to know that Matthew was gay, and that was the sole reason for his victimization. After the murder, Wyoming House of Representatives voted on hate crime legislature that extended to sexual orientation. However, it failed to be passed when the house voted 30-30. Bill Clinton tried to pass A Hate Crime Prevention Act in order to protect queer people, women, and those with disabilities. It was originally introduced in 1997. Then again in 1999. It was passed by the senate only in July of 1999. A little over a year later in September of 2000, congress and the senate voted to pass the legislation. Unsurprisingly, the conference committee removed the bill. Seven years later, March 2007, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was introduced to congress as a bipartisan federal law. The law was introduced by the democratic representative for Michigan, John Conyers, and sponsored by 171 members. It seemed like this bill had a real shot at changing things when it was passed the following month. But, when President George Bush vowed to veto the bill and other conservatives continued to oppose the bill, it was dropped yet again. However, when Barack Obama became president in 2008, he promised to pass the bill. Even though there was still protests from conservative members, the bill was finally passed by the senate in October, 2009. Six days later President Barack Obama signed it into law.

In 2018, Matthew’s ashes were buried in the crypt of Washington National Cathedral. In the United States, this is an honor. There are presidents buried there, bishops, senators, and other people important to American history. Post inauguration presidential prayer services have been held there for seven presidents. Additionally, important funerals and memorial services, such as the Vietnam War Memorial, have been hosted there. Essentially, Matthew’s burial there speaks volumes to his importance to not only the LGBTQ+ community, but our country as a whole. He was the first figure to be buried there since Helen Keller in 1968. The ceremony was held on October 26th, 2018. The presiding bishop, Gene Robinson, was the first openly gay Episcopal bishop. He was accompanied by Reverend Marianne Edgar Budde. The emotional ceremony was broadcasted live, and is still available for viewing today. Matthew was laid to rest one last time while the Gay Man’s Chorus of Washington D.C., GenOUT, and Conspirare performed. the first two groups consist of openly queer performers. While Conspirare performed their founder’s song, “Considering Matthew Shepard”.

Judy and Dennis Shepard at Matthew’s 2018 interment into Washington National Cathedral

Matthew never planned on becoming an icon for hate crimes. His goal in life was to live long, and help anyone he could. Sadly, he was able to do his second dream at the expense of the first. Regardless, Matthew’s death inspired change. But, his death was not beautiful. His death exposed the amount of hate towards the LGBTQ+ community in the United States. While some comfort can be found in what Matthew’s death inspired, it does not take away from the horror and brutality of the crime. Matthew deserved more. Matthew deserved to finally have his braces taken off after eight years. Matthew deserved to graduate college to pursue his dreams. Matthew deserved to heal from his trauma. And even if Matthew achieved none of these things, he deserved to live. While Matthew is a symbol for change, he is also a reminder of hate. He became one of the few famous people in a heinously large group of victims. Matthew’s story is not rare. His story just became bigger than the rest.

Extra Information:

During my extensive research, I found a few things about Matthew that I could not ignore. As a disclaimer, this information is yet to be confirmed by any of Matthew's friends and family, as far as I could find. Seemingly, these rumors appear to stem from the controversial book, The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths About the Murder of Matthew Shepard, by Stephen Jimenez. The author, Jimenez, is an investigative journalist who set out to get the “real story”. He claims to have spoken to people closest to the case for his information. However, it is important to note once again the Shepards, nor his friends, have confirmed any of this. Jimenez’s foundation of his new story is that Matthew was actually struggling with addiction. Even going as far as to say Matthew’s death was a direct result of a drug deal gone wrong. One rumor I found, though I am unclear whether it came from the book or not, went as such: Matthew waS supposed to pick up 12 ounces of meth the day he went to Fireside. He was then supposed to drop off half of it in Fort Collins before returning home with the remaining. This would imply that the assault carried out by Henderson and McKinney was drug related, not based on Matthew’s sexuality. There is no evidence I could find on this whatsoever. Nobody else close to Matthew has spoken about his drug use and no drugs were found on Matthew. Palsey and Price told detective that the men were not on any type of substances during the murder. I looked for any drug related arrests of Matthew, there were none.