Police pursue leads in murder of New Orleans gay activist Robin Malta: ” Malta was beaten to death Monday morning, between about 5 a.m. and noon, said John Gagliano, chief investigator for the Orleans Parish coroner. Malta’s body had begun to decompose because of the intense heat inside the apartment. Investigators found him inside the apartment lying face-down, shirtless, with a “sexual object” in his mouth, said two officers familiar with the investigation. Several kitchen stove burners were on, said the police sources. Malta had been beaten severely, apparently struck in the head “more than 15 times” with the metal leg of an ironing board, said the two officers. Malta’s home showed no signs of forced entry and was not ransacked, said NOPD spokesman Lt. Bruce Adams.”