Arrest Made in South Carolina Gay Man's Murder
Stephen Andrew Moller, 18, has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of Sean Kennedy, whom I posted about earlier today.
Kennedy had left Brew's Bar when a man jumped out of a car and punched him, knocking him to the ground. Kennedy died nearly 17 hours later of injuries sustained during the assault.
The arrest warrant for Moller said "investigators believe the assault was due to the victim's sexual orientation" according to GreenvilleOnline.
The paper reports: "Master Deputy Michael Hildebrand said the case has been turned over to the FBI who will determine whether or not to proceed with a hate crime investigation. South Carolina doesn't have a statute that covers hate crimes, so a federal agency would have to make the charges, according to the Sheriff's Office. Hildebrand said that witnesses and 'other investigative means' led investigators to Moller. Through the investigation, deputies believe that Moller made a comment about Kennedy's sexual orientation either before or during the assault, according to Hildebrand and the warrant."
Moller is being detained without bond at Greenville County Detention Center.
Arrest Made In Connection With Death Of Man At Bar [news channel 7 - greenville]
Taylors man arrested in bar death [greenville online]
Thanks to Towleroad readers for pointing me to the updates on this.
Posted May. 18,2007 at 12:06 PM EST by Andy Towle in Crime, News, South Carolina | Permalink
May God who is beyond all understanding, bless and keep Sean in His tender love and mercy, as he waits but a moment for the arrival of his family and friends who love him. May our Lord sear love and understanding into the hearts of those who hate in His name, and may He show them the errors of their ways. What may be preached from the pulpits in that area and in others, is the perverted word of God, and not the message of Jesus Christ. Jerry Falwell has since learned that error as will all others who hate in His holy name.
Posted by: Archbishop Bruce J. Simpson | May 21, 2007 1:20:10 PM
I was a friend of Sean's. We knew eachother a little over a year. I just want to thank everyone for the kind words about him and ask that you all be respectful of his memory. And I just want to say in a public setting that I forgive Stephen. Please keep everyone involved in your prayers.
God's peace,
JLM
Posted by: Justin | May 21, 2007 1:31:57 PM
Also, if you would, scroll up and read John's post about the foundation being made in Sean's memory. Please donate what you can as I will be doing. We can make Sean's death something good for the world and honor him by saving others if we work together.
God's peace,
JLM
Posted by: Justin | May 21, 2007 3:32:20 PM
Here is the information as far as the charity's name and who to make check out to and what not. Very shortly we will be having a website either seanslastwish.com or seanslastwish.org...ill keep u up to date on that.
Write checks to
Sean's Last Wish
CPM Federal Credit Union
P.O. Box 2297
Greer SC 29652
Email Seanslastwish@yahoo.com with any questions.
Posted by: John Kennedy | May 26, 2007 1:57:12 PM