Double Homicide In Missouri Linked To Victim's Sexual Orientation | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Double Homicide In Missouri Linked To Victim's Sexual Orientation

Local and federal officials are investigating the murders as a hate crime.

24
Double Homicide In Missouri Linked To Victim's Sexual Orientation
LGBTQ Nation

On August 29, Danielle Smith, 27, and her mother, Theresa Jackson, 61, were found dead in their trailer home in Camden County, Mo. The trailer had been set on fire. Both Danielle and Theresa had been killed before the fire was set, according to this press release from the Camden County Sherriff’s Office. The victims’ neighbor, Steven Endsley, has been charged with the murder (as well as arson and other related charges), and pending further FBI investigation, the murders may be categorized as a hate crime.

Witnesses stated that Endsley had been harassing Smith for several months, calling her names and even making threats to harm her, likely due to her sexual orientation (friends told authorities that Danielle was bisexual, while Danielle’s sister said she was a lesbian). In the hours leading up to the homicide, Endsley allegedly sent text messages to Smith and others containing homophobic slurs, such as “Bipolar Lesbos” and “no dikesor faggots” [sic].

According to an analysis of 2014 data collected by the FBI, LGBT people are more likely to be the target of a hate crime than any other minority group.

A GoFundMe page has been made to help the family cover funeral costs.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
mouse with a cookie

One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone does not try to help their self before asking others. How can someone else be expected to help you if you do not first do that yourself? I'm all about helping those that need it when the time comes, however whenever someone does not even attempt to help him or herself first then that becomes a huge problem. As we all have learned, people tend to take advantage of us in one way or another. I am sure we all read this short story when we were younger and it follows that same principle:

Keep Reading...Show less
39 Traits You Know You Have If You're A Libra
Flickr

If you were born between September 23rd - October 22nd, then you are a Libra. Let's be real, Libras are the best because you are the perfect balance of all things in life. Some may find this boring, but they don't know anything about what it means to be all things at once. As Libras, we hold much on our shoulders that no one can understand. These are traits you know to be true if you are a Libra:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

12 Types Of Drunk Girls You'll See In Every Friend Group

"Getting drunk with your best friends is an experience in and of itself. It takes us on wild and ridiculous adventures with the people we trust with our lives."

1016
friends
Cloud Front

Getting drunk with your best friends is an experience in and of itself. It takes us on wild and ridiculous adventures with the people we trust with our lives. Each one of you plays a vital role in making sure the night goes (relatively) smoothly.

Keep Reading...Show less
Kardashians
Cosmopolitan.com

Finals week is so rude! So, there's no one better to explain it than the Kardashians themselves!

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

14 Types Of Customers In Fast Food

Working in fast-food brings a whole new meaning to customer service.

4484
fast food
google images

While being home for break this week and picking up hours at work, I remember what it is like to in fast food. Although there are many aspects to the job, the customers are always number one priority. Anyone who works in fast food knows that you come across these types of customers AT LEAST once a day:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments