Ritter Sentenced for Transgender Hate Crime Murder

Daqua Lameek Ritter, a South Carolina man, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman, marking the first federal conviction of violence against a transgender person under the Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act. This landmark case, decided by a jury in February, found Ritter guilty of a hate crime, firearm use in a violent crime, and obstruction of justice. Ritter killed Doe in 2019 in Allendale, South Carolina, purportedly to silence her after rumors of their relationship spread. The Department of Justice emphasized the importance of safeguarding LGBTQI+ rights, as the case highlights ongoing violence against the transgender community. The court relied on extensive evidence, including deleted text messages, to demonstrate Ritter's motive linked to his fear of being outed. This sentencing underscores the justice system's commitment to prosecuting transphobic violence amid rising discrimination and violence against transgender individuals.