Damien Skipper Attends White House Signing of the Matthew Shepard Act Ryan's older brother, Damien, and his wife Tricia, represented his family at the long-awaited signing of the Matthew Shepard / James Byrd Jr. Act on October 28th. The federal legislation will add a separate criminal charge in future hate crime prosecutions. U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of South Florida, a co-sponsor of the legislation and an ardent supporter of the LGBT community, had extended a personal invitation to Ryan's family to be at the White House for the historic event. (Lynn and Pat remained in Bartow for day #3 in the trial of William Brown.)
Trial Outcomes:
William David Brown, Jr., was convicted of first degree murder and robbery with a deadly weapon on November 3. (The jury deliberated for only 2 hours, part of which time they ate lunch.) On December 1, 2009, Brown was sentenced to two life terms in prison, no parole. He pled guilty to arson and tampering with evidence on Oct. 26th, after the prosecutor presented his opening statement. For more information.
Wiiliam David Brown, Jr.
Joseph Bearden was found guilty of 2nd degree murder on February 27, 2009. He was sentenced to life in prison with no parole. Bearden was also found guilty of theft of a motor vehicle, accessory to robbery with a weapon, tampering with evidence and dealing in stolen property. The prosecutor and judge expressed their belief that Ryan was murdered in large part because he was gay. For more info.
Joseph Eli Bearden
William David Brown, Jr. Trial Media Coverage The Lakeland Ledger and Orlando Sentinel provided media coverage, as well as most of the Tampa TV stations, including WFTS, WTSP, and Bay News 9. Central Florida LGBT publication, The Watermark, also provided some coverage. And the Miami Herald printed the family's statement.
Joseph Bearden Trial Media Coverage (Feb 2009) CNN and TRU TV (Court TV) covered the Bearden trial in its entirety in February 2009. Anchor Lisa Bloom gave considerable time and attention to the national epidemic of anti-gay hate crimes. In addition to Ryan's parents and the documentary producers, TRU TV also welcomed Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida, and a spokesperson from GLAAD. Local media at the trial included the Lakeland Ledger, the Orlando Sentinel, and most Tampa TV stations.
Patricia & Lynn Mulder
Tru TV Anchor Lisa Bloom
Vicki & Mary
The 2008 video below features Ryan's parents, Lynn and Patricia Mulder, at a press conference in Tallahassee where they joined Equality Florida to help lobby for anti-bullying legislation in Florida schools.
Film News... The renowned Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, now known simply as CLIP, selected our documentary to be a part of their distinguished Film Outreach Program which makes LGBT films accessible to the community through free regional screenings.
1) Make a Tax-Free Donation to: The Ryan Keith Skipper Fund c/o The Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland 4720 Cleveland Heights Blvd. Lakeland, Florida 33813 www.cfgl.org
2) Join Equality Florida's efforts to stop the hate. Equality Florida fights for you - please support their efforts with a contribution today!
3) Become a member of OneOrlando.org, a Unity Coalition, and speak up now for equality for ALL. www.OneOrlando.org.
4) If you are a family member or friend of an LGBT person - do not remain silent when hate is expressed anywhere by anyone in your world.
5) If you are a member of the LGBT community - come out, come out wherever you are.
