11/26/2008
16-Year-Old May Be Responsible for Murder of Gay Londoner
On Monday I posted news of David Cooper, a gay 28-year-old London man who was brutally murdered in his flat after a night out. Now comes word that a 16-year-old has been charged in the crime:
"The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear in court charged with the murder of David Cooper in Woolwich, on 19 November. His body was found by two men at Sir Martin Bowes House in Calderwood Street. A post mortem examination gave the cause of death as head injuries. The youth will appear in custody at Camberwell Green Juvenile Court."
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 12:20 PM EST by Andy in Crime, Great Britain, News | Permalink
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The heinous level of violence out there as of late against glbts, makes me only want to fight back more.
Posted by: Marc | Nov 26, 2008 1:16:45 PM
I think we should get all the facts before rushing to judgment. For instance, I am curious what a 16 year old was doing inside his house. There are a myriad of possible reasons and my feelings on the crime (though undoubtedly heinous, unnecessary and awful) depend on those reasons.
Posted by: Dan B | Nov 26, 2008 1:26:27 PM
Don't forget, the legal drinking age in the UK is 18. I can only imagine that this "kid" was out prowling the bars and was picked up an unassuming Cooper.
This is why it's so important to get all the details of a potential hookup and leave it with someone you trust.
Posted by: Tread | Nov 26, 2008 2:24:40 PM
Jesus fucking christ! When I read this today I knew there were going to be people commenting about the 16 year old. He killed a man! Does it make him less of a killer because he is 16?
Posted by: JHT | Nov 26, 2008 3:02:40 PM
His picture and name should be shown on the front page of the newspaper and on the telly!
Posted by: John in PA | Nov 26, 2008 4:06:48 PM
Of course, JHT, but for some people it would be another perfect opportunity to spew their hate.
And even if it was for sex: As far as I know it isn't necessarily illegal in the UK (age of consent is 16).
Posted by: Chris | Nov 26, 2008 4:15:17 PM
We're under attack. And watch that murderer use the gay panic defense. Watch.
Posted by: Dennis | Nov 26, 2008 4:28:59 PM
In the UK the legal age of consent for both homosexuals and hetrosexuals is 16 years of age. So even if the guy who picked him up for a sexual encounter it was not illegal to do so under UK law, but murder is most definitely illegal.
Posted by: Terry | Nov 26, 2008 4:47:53 PM
And the 16 year old should be tried as an adult for this vicious crime and locked away for life. Personally I do not want someone who would inflict this much damage on another human being walking the streets.
Posted by: Terry | Nov 26, 2008 4:49:54 PM
@DAN B,
there is no excuse for murder, stupid.
Posted by: nic | Nov 27, 2008 6:23:04 AM
The british are soft on crime so we'll see what happens. if guilty he should be put down like a rabid dog.
Even if 16 is legal, it's still tacky and very creepy.
Posted by: ousslander | Nov 27, 2008 8:17:18 AM