11/15/2007
"Gay Panic" Killer to Be Paroled in San Francisco
James McKinnon, who pleaded guilty to the murder of Gary Lee Ober in 2002, is set to be paroled in San Francisco this week as a result of a plea-bargain struck in 2005 that gave him a six-year sentence. He's getting out now based on good behavior.
According to the Bay Area Reporter, "In a 2002 taped jailhouse interview with the Bay Area Reporter, McKinnon insisted that he is a victim who was forced to kill Ober, 56, in self-defense to fend off a sexual assault. McKinnon was 37 at the time. He said although he was nearly 20 years younger than Ober, he was more vulnerable because he was suffering from pneumonia. McKinnon also said that as a Vietnam veteran, Ober was a 'trained killer' and that unlike Ober, he detested violence. He added that bruises on his body that were observed by witnesses after Ober's killing were evidence of his struggle to defend himself. But Franco, who had introduced McKinnon to Ober, said that McKinnon's claims of self-defense are ridiculous. Witnesses said that McKinnon showed no signs of being sick before or after he killed Ober. Franco noted that Ober had difficulty walking and standing because of a back condition."
Ober's body was "left to rot in a bathtub for weeks" before it was discovered.
Killer to be paroled this week [bay area reporter]
Posted 4:00 PM EST by Andy Towle in Crime, James McKinnon, News, San Francisco | Permalink
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Murderer.
Gay people's lives don't mean any more than black people's lives in this country. And if you don't have money--your life aint worth shit in American courts.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Nov 15, 2007 4:08:55 PM
Why does anyone still believe that "but he HIT ON ME" defense used by gaybashers? And why does anyone not call bullsh!t on it by stating the obvious: of course he didn't hit on you James - LOOK AT YOU.
Posted by: Strepsi | Nov 15, 2007 5:10:56 PM
They're setting him loose in SAN FRANCISCO?!?!?
So I wonder if, when McKinnon's fat, bloated, and ugly body turns up in a park somewhere, his murderer will get off by using a "Gay-Basher Panic" defense.
Seems that "I killed a man because he has murdered men who have sex with men" is a much stronger motive than "I killed a man because he has sex with men."
Is McKinnon a republican?
Posted by: Michael Hawthorne | Nov 15, 2007 6:39:32 PM
another one gets off with a slap on the wrist... these closet-cases walk around looking to bash a gay man only to bend over after 2 beer... and then throw a tantrum after they sober up and realize they enjoyed it. Sad... to let this creep out early on "good behavior" is an afront to gay people everywhere... Lock em' up and throw away the key, already. and if my sexual orientation offends you then "GET YOUR MIND OUTTA MY BEDROOM"
Posted by: GAYCANUCK | Nov 15, 2007 6:41:37 PM
Wow, Derrick you are right, I've always heard that black lives are less valuable when murdered , and, of late, gays are worth even less according to the DA and jury in S.F.
Posted by: Sebastian | Nov 15, 2007 7:09:32 PM
Can I get straight panic and totally kill a jock at the gym or strangle some chick?
Fucking bullshit.
Posted by: Marco | Nov 15, 2007 7:37:20 PM
So, can a hetero female us the "he hit on me" defense when a man hits on a her in a bar and she murders him? My partner and i were just sitting here discussing this. This is so ridiculous and he should not be released. Great blog and this is my first time to visit. Saw you on the Logo CBS News special from last Monday. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Existential Punk | Nov 18, 2007 2:21:48 AM