Transgender Woman Murdered in Houston; Some Media Coverage Misses the Mark
January 25, 2010
GLAAD joined Pride Houston on Monday in an effort to correct problematic news coverage about the tragic murder of Myra Chanel Ical, a transgender woman whose half-naked body was found in the Montrose area of Houston on Jan. 18.
Authorities have no suspects in the case.
The Houston Police Department issued a Press Release last Wednesday which incorrectly identified Ms. Ical by the male pronoun.
Following the BPD’s lead, The Houston Chronicle published an article on Jan. 20 which erroneously calls Ms. Ical “a man” and also uses the male pronoun. Both the BPD and The Houston Chronicle also list Ical’s birth name as primary identification.
Both The Associated Press and The New York Times’s style guidelines prohibit reporters from using a pronoun that an individual does not prefer.
From The Associated Press:
“Use the pronoun preferred by the individuals who have acquired the physical characteristics of the opposite sex or present themselves in a way that does not correspond with their sex at birth.
“If that preference is not expressed, use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly.”
From The New York Times:
“Unless a former name is newsworthy or pertinent, use the name and pronouns (he, his, she her hers) preferred by the transgender person. If no preference is known, use the pronouns consistent with the way the subject lives publicly.”
Houston’s local Fox affiliate, KRIV-Fox 26, also failed to accurately report the murder, again incorrectly calling Ms. Ican “a man” and listing her birth name, rather than her lived name.
It should be noted, meanwhile, that Houston’s local CBS affiliate, KHOU-11, fairly and accurately reported on the murder and even reached out to the Transgender Foundation of America for its story:
After being alerted to the problematic coverage, GLAAD contacted Pride Houston to offer our assistance in the matter.
(To read Pride Houston President Meghan Stabler’s analysis of local media coverage, click here)
GLAAD has since reached out to both The Houston Chronicle and Fox-26 Houston and requested that their stories be changed to reflect accurate terminology.
A candlelight vigil for Myra Chanel Ical will be held tonight, January 25, 2010, at 9 P.M. at the site where Myra’s body was discovered. Please join over 160 confirmed attendees to remember Myra’s life and raise awareness about anti-transgender violence.
For more information about tonight’s vigil click here, or visit the Memorial for Myra Ical Facebook page.
Anyone who might know anything about this crime or who might have witnessed it is urged to call Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-8477 tips hotline or submitted online at www.crimestoppers.org that leads to the identification, arrest and/or charging of the any of the suspects in this case.
GLAAD will continue to insist that media fairly and accurately report on the murder of Myra Ical. Updates will be made available on GLAADblog.org
————————————————————————————————————
UPDATE: KRIV- Fox 26 Houston Drastically Improves Coverage after GLAAD Outreach
Last night, approximately 200 advocates and allies gathered on the 4300 block of Garrott in Houston to remember Myra Chanel Ical.
Fox 26 Houston was on the scene and made notable improvements in its reporting after GLAAD and Pride Houston reached out to the network.
Fox 26 originally identified Myra as a man and used her birth name instead of her lived name.
GLAAD applauds KRIV-Fox 26 Houston adhering to journalistic standards of fairness and staying in-line with contemporary usage. We will continue to act as a resource for Fox 26 in its future LGBT reporting.
Related Posts:GLAAD Reaches Out to Blog That Dehumanizes Transgender People
June 26, 2009
As the result of constituents contacting GLAAD, we have reached out to the site owners of a blog that dehumanizes transgender people and their experiences. Tranny Alert is a website that posts pictures of people who are perceived to be transgender and encourages readers to submit photos of perceived transgender people for the blog to publish and provide commentary. It is unclear whether the site’s subjects have provided consent to have their pictures taken and published in this context.
Lateisha Green
GLAAD has reached out to the blog about the defamatory nature of their content with their problematic language including the words “tranny,” “trannie” and “he/she.” We also expressed our concerns about the potential danger the site’s subjects could face as a result of having their gender identity and gender expression shared without their consent.
Given that transgender people are disproportionately targeted for violence, willfully subjecting them to this kind of online scrutiny could very well put their lives in danger. We need not look far to know how violence disproportionately impacts transgender people. Recent examples include Angie Zapata and Lateisha Green.
A Call to Action against Tranny Alert was started by a Livejournal user named gudbuytjane and it appears to have been quite effective. The blog’s Facebook page has already been taken down.
Tranny Alert remains active on Twitter. Some Twitter users have been tweeting #trannyalertfail to express their alarm and concern for the site’s questionable content.
Initially, @TrannyAlert tweeted the following in response to readers submitting their concerns:
Tranny Alert will be releasing a statement in the next 24 hours regarding the recent backlash.
Later, the blog sent out another tweet about readers concerns:
Wow people really need to get a f*cking sense of humor.
If you would like to share your own concerns about Tranny Alert and their content, you can email them at:
mayday@tranny-alert.com
You can also share your concerns about their problematic language and content with Blogger, the blog service that currently hosts Tranny Alert. You can contact them with your concerns here.
Blogger’s policy specifically states:
Blogger strongly believes in freedom of speech. We believe that having a variety of perspectives is an important part of what makes blogs such an exciting and diverse medium. With that said, there are certain types of content that are not allowed on Blogger. While Blogger values and safeguards political and social commentary, material that promotes hatred toward groups based on race or ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation/gender identity is not allowed on Blogger.
Please stay tuned for more details. Please check back with us for updates on this developing story.
Have an update to share with GLAAD? Send Senior Media Strategist Andy Marra a Tweet at @andy_marra
Related Posts:Angie Zapata’s Story Honored by Family and GLAAD
April 29, 2009
In the midst of the Angie Zapata murder trial in Greeley, Colo., which came to a conclusion last week with the sentencing of Allen Andrade, I was able to travel with Angie’s sisters Monica and Stephanie – along with their close family friend Tina Blea – from Colorado to Los Angeles for the GLAAD Media Awards.
Univision’s Aqui y Ahora had been nominated for two segments on Angie’s story in the Spanish Language Newsmagazine Category. As Monica Trasandes, GLAAD’s Director of Spanish Language Media, wrote last week, when the winner was announced, Monica Zapata joined Aqui y Ahora producer Belisa Morillo onstage to accept the award.
Monica Zapata and Aqui y Ahora producer Belissa Morillo at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.
While we were held over, I had the opportunity, for the first time, to have a very casual conversation with Monica, Stephanie and Tina. Previously we had talked many times, but they were almost always focused conversations about our work with the media around Angie’s life and death.
What has become abundantly clear to me with every conversation I have with this remarkable family is how much they love Angie – and how much they stick together.
Over dinner they remarked that their trip to Los Angeles for the GLAAD Media Awards was particularly significant to them because of Angie. “You know, this was Angie’s dream. She dreamed of going away, being famous, and having her picture everywhere. She would have loved to take this trip,” they told me. They said that Angie dreamed big, and they feel that their first trip to LA was an opportunity to honor her dreams.
Monica Zapata with GLAAD Senior Media Field Strategist Adam Bass in Greeley, Colo.
They also told me that Angie’s favorite movie was A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story, which won a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Television Movie in 2007. In life, Angie saw a lot of similarities between herself and Gwen. She used to make her family watch the movie over and over with her.
It is devastating that now Gwen and Angie share more than the same life story – but that they were both victims of anti-transgender violence.
In court on the day before she arrived in L.A., Monica recounted that she used to tell Angie to be safe “every day.” She worried about the cruelty that exists in the world against transgender people.
At the event, she stood up while accepting the award and said these words to the audience:
“My family, some who are with me here tonight, always loved and supported Angie. We understood that she was born in a boy’s body but she was a woman. So many transgender people do not receive that love, acceptance and support.
I would like to thank the reporter and producers of the Aqui y Ahora segment for treating Angie and her story with so much respect. And for telling her story to Latino audiences.
Thank you to GLAAD for bringing us here, for recognizing Angie’s story and for helping us with the trial, and more. To all of you here tonight, I would like to say exactly what I would tell Angie if she was here. Be yourself and be proud of who you are. No tengas verguenza. Eres una buena persona (Don’t be ashamed, you are a good person.)”
You can also watch a video of producer Belissa Morillo accepting the award for the Aqui y Ahora segments as well as Monica’s speech below:
The resolve of seeing this wonderful family stand up and demand dignity is inspiring. It is my hope, that as this family continues to speak up they can, as Monica implores people, “change the world for Angie.”
Media Coverage of Verdict in Zapata Murder Trial
April 29, 2009
For more information on Angie’s story, visit www.angiezapata.com. You can see all of glaadBLOG’s coverage of the trial, as well as the media’s coverage, here.
If you are a journalist covering the trial and the verdict, make sure to read GLAAD’s Resource Kit.
Video Coverage
CNN:
- Andrade found guilty of murder. Click here to watch.
- Andrade gets life without parole. Click here to watch.
Pam’s House Blend – Angie Zapata family statement on Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial guilty verdicts:
Channel 9 News (NBC) – Andrade found guilty of hate crime. Bazi Kanani reports:
Channel 9 News (NBC) – Andrade Sentencing. Watch the sentencing hearing for Allen Andrade:
Print Coverage
The New York Times:
The Los Angeles Times:
The Colorado Independent:
- Anti-violence groups applaud Andrade murder and hate-crime convictions
- Zapata family after verdict: ‘Justice was achieved for my sister today’
- Polis praises verdict in Zapata murder: ‘zero tolerance for hate crimes’
The Greeley Tribune:
- Andrade guilty of first degree murder
- Andrade guilty, sentenced to life in murder of Angie Zapata
- Zapata family speaks
- Justice Served for Angie
The Denver Post:
- Life in prison for killer in transgender murder
- A milestone in battling hate crimes
- Victory in fight against bias-motivated crimes
Denver Gay Examiner:
CNN:
CNN.com (In Session: Sidebar):
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend:
- Statements on Angie Zapata Murder Verdict
- Angie Zapata family statement on Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial guilty verdicts
- The Zapata murder trial coverage – and the missed opportunity of the LGB media and blogoshpere
- Autumn on TruTV with Mike Signorile
- The Mario Solis Marich Show interview
The Bilerico Project:
VivirLatino:
Zapata Family Remembers Angie After Verdict is Delivered
April 23, 2009
The verdict in the Angie Zapata murder trial came a lot quicker than anyone anticipated.
The jury took only two hours to rule that the man who stood accused of killing Angie Zapata was guilty of murder in the first degree – which caries a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no option for parole. Sentencing for the other three charges will occur in May. These include a hate crime charge, car theft and identity theft.
I was in a small victim assistance/witness room visiting with Angie’s brother Gonzalo, discussing the public statement he planned to make after the verdict was issued, when we heard that the jury had returned.
The courtroom was packed as the jury filed in. I sat directly behind the defendant, Allen Andrade, and could see his face in the TruTV “In Session” television screen in the media section of the courtroom. Andrade had no reaction as the verdict was read.
After the verdict, the judge sentenced Andrade on the first degree murder count. The sentence was mandated by state law – a conviction of first degree murder required the judge to impose a life prison sentence, without the possibility of parole.
After sentencing, Gonzalo, surrounded by some of his family members, made a statement to the media. The statement was powerful, moving and showed very deeply how much this older brother loved his little sister. You can see video of Gonzalo’s statement at Pam’s House Blend.
The courtroom was packed with media – at least 14 reporters were on hand and there were two media overflow rooms outside the courtroom.
Shortly after the family left the building, Gonzalo called me. “Adam, we’re going to tell Angie the news, come with us.”
The family also invited TruTV to join them at the cemetary. The family has been very impressed with the continuous coverage of TruTV’s “In Session” and particularly the respect shown to Angie by reporter Beth Karas. 
In a caravan, I followed Angie’s family and friends to the cemetery where Angie’s buried. I held back, at the gate, for a long time. Beth and the TruTV team stood back with me until the family motioned us to join them at the headstone.
While there, Angie’s mom Maria told story after story about Angie. Friends and siblings spoke up and shared memories of Angie. There were a lot of tears – and laughs – as they remembered her.
Monica then took my hand, and we stood in a circle. Maria led us in the Lord’s Prayer, and then offered a very personal prayer of her own. It was an honor to be included in this very personal moment.
Angie was, by all accounts, a beautiful, vibrant, loving person. I wish I could have known her. Standing hand-in-hand with Angie’s family and friends at Angie’s grave at dusk last night served as a reminder for me of why it was so important to be present in Greeley for this trial. It was an honor to grow closer with the Zapata family, and to see that even in an area, which many view as not being supportive of LGBT people, hate violence will not be tolerated. The jury sent that message loud and clear yesterday afternoon. It was remarkable to see.
Most of all, I’m in awe of the example the Zapata family sets. As Gonzo said, on behalf of the family, “Remember her (Angie), like we do, as a beautiful, wonderful, precious teenager. She would want us to remember the happy times in her life. Together, and in Angie’s memory, let’s make the world a better place.”
GLAAD Issues Statement on Angie Zapata Murder Verdict
April 22, 2009
Today, GLAAD and President Neil G. Giuliano issued a statement on the verdict in the murder case of Angie Zapata. The jury found Allen Andrade guilty on four counts including first-degree murder and hate crime charges:
Today’s verdict was about justice for Angie Zapata, although no verdict will ever be able to heal the tragic loss experienced by Angie’s family.
The past few months have offered Greeley residents, as well as people throughout Colorado and across the nation, an opportunity to better understand transgender lives and the horrifying reality of anti-transgender violence. Media coverage of this case has played a vital role in broadening that understanding, and it has helped more people understand the importance of a fully inclusive hate crime law like Colorado’s.
You can follow the media coverage of the trial and verdict here: http://glaadblog.org/tag/angie-zapata-murder-trial/ .
Also, for more information on Angie’s story, visit www.angiezapata.com. If you are a journalist covering the trial and verdict, make sure to read GLAAD’s Resource Kit.
*UPDATE: Below is some recent media coverage on the news of the verdict:
Print Coverage
The Denver Post:
The Greeley Tribune:
AP:
CBS 4:
Channel 7 (ABC):
The Colorado Independent:
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend:
Feministe:
More Media Coverage of the Angie Zapata Murder Trial
April 22, 2009
As the trial in the murder of Angie Zapata continues, GLAAD will be monitoring local and national media for coverage of the trial and of Angie’s story.
For more information on Angie’s story, visit www.angiezapata.com. If you are a journalist covering the trial, make sure to read GLAAD’s Resource Kit.
Video Coverage
- CNN – Transgender murder trial: In Session’s Beth Karas talks about the trial of Allen Andrade, accused of killing an 18-year-old transgender woman. Click here to watch.
- Pam’s House Blend – Beth Karas of In Session TruTV interviewed by Autumn Sandeen:
Print Coverage
Los Angeles Times:
The Denver Post:
- Family testifies Zapata never hid transgender status
- Sisters testified they found her body
- Zapata slaying suspect: what’s done is done
- Jailhouse calls show mental state
- Jurors hear “gay things need to die” tape
- Deliberations to begin in transgender murder trial
The Greeley Tribune:
- Angie Zapata’s friends, family take the stand
- Andrade murder trial to resume with taped phone calls after lunch
- Andrade’s calls from jail offer insight
- Jurors hear more phone calls from Andrade
- Attorneys rest case in Andrade trial
- Jury deliberates in Andrade murder trial
Associated Press:
CNN.com (In Session: Sidebar):
- Transgender murder trail: hate crime charge may be a first
- Defense spars with victim’s family at trial
- Jurors hear defendant’s jailhouse calls
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend:
- What does “justice for Angie” mean?
- Are trans people like Angie and me deceptive?
- Beth Karas of TruTV in session talks about the Angie Zapata case, other cases, and great coffee
- Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial: pink vibrator with only Andrade’s DNA entered into evidence
- “I can’t cry over spilled milk”
- Andrade contemplated selling the homicide story of Angie’s death for 50K
- Prosecution and defense rested yesterday afternoon; closing arguments anticipated later this morning
The Bilerico Project:
Denver Westword:
- Transgender murder trial starts next week in Greeley
- Jury selection underway in Angie Zapata transgender murder case
- Opening arguments expected in transgender murder trial expected today
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 16
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 17
- The Angie Zapata Trial: summary of the evidence so far
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 20
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 21
- Live blog: the Angie Zapata trial, April 22
Both Sides Rest in Angie Zapata Murder Trial
April 22, 2009
In what came as a surprise to nearly all court watchers, both sides rested Tuesday in the Angie Zapata murder trial.
Though most observers thought the prosecution would rest their case after almost four days of testimony – what came as a shock is how quickly the defense ended their case.
Most of the morning was spent hearing from Greeley Police Detective Tharp, who was the primary investigator of Angie’s murder. He was able to weave together key pieces of information from previous evidence, painting a picture of how Andrade plotted to kill Angie because of anti-transgender bias.
After lunch the defense called a few witnesses. After being questioned, most of their testimony appeared to support the state, rather than the defense. Based on the witnesses, the defense seemed to suggest that because Angie was beautiful she was somehow to blame for her own murder. They argued that because Angie presented as a woman, Andrade was somehow justified in his violent reaction.
We are anticipating a media circus when the verdict is reached in this case. Local advocates along with GLAAD are working with the family to make sure they can provide the media with a statement of their overall reaction while allowing them to maintain some privacy.
You can now find live updates on the trial, not only at www.twitter.com/justiceforangie and www.angiezapata.com but also at The Greeley Tribune and on The Denver Channel.
Closing statements will occur Wenesday, and the verdict can come anytime after then.
Emotional Testimony in Zapata Trial
April 21, 2009
On Friday, the atmosphere in the courtroom was especially emotional. The first witness of the day was the investigating detective who described the crime scene, while the prosecution presented pictures, video and evidence from Angie’s apartment. It was truly unsettling to hear, in detail, about the extreme brutality that Angie was subjected to in the last few minutes of her life.
The judge allowed the courtroom to see pictures of Angie’s body as it was discovered, but decided to limit the media and the family’s exposure to autopsy pictures. The conclusion was clear from the testimony: Angie was brutally beaten, and her assailant left no chance for her survival.
After the lunch break, the court heard moving testimony from Angie’s family. Angie’s mother, Maria, described her daughter in detail. “She was beautiful. She was beautiful,” said Maria Zapata. When asked why she called Angie by that name instead of the name assigned at birth, Maria said, “Because she was comfortable with it. She wanted me to.”
Angie Zapata
Monica and Ashley, Angie’s older sisters, both took the stand on Friday too. Monica and Ashley were the first to discover Angie last July 17 after the attack and their emotional testimony affected everyone in the room. Both sisters were pressed for conflicting statements by the defense.
Monica talked about finding her sister’s body, and refusing to believe her to be dead. She challenged the cross-examining attorney, stating in no uncertain terms, “I found my sister murdered. I can’t tell you what I was thinking.”
The defense team continued to use Angie’s birth name and male pronouns. Angie’s sister Stephanie was quizzed by the defense using male pronouns in reference to Angie over and over. Each time, Stephanie responded with, “You mean Angie?” or “You mean my sister?” The defense attorney, clearly surprised by Stephanie’s resolve, responded, “yes” each time.
Angie’s life came to a very tragic and sad end. Yet, I left the courtroom on Friday so proud and happy that Angie, during her short 18 years alive, had been embraced and loved by such an amazing family.
Continuing Media Coverage of the Angie Zapata Murder Trial
April 17, 2009
As the trial in the murder of Angie Zapata begins, GLAAD will be monitoring local and national media for coverage of the trial and of Angie’s story.
Below is a collection of media not included in our last post and up until today.
For more information on Angie’s story, visit www.angiezapata.com. If you are a journalist covering the trial, make sure to read GLAAD’s Resource Kit.
Video Coverage
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – Transgender murder sparks debate over hate crime laws. Adam Chodak reports.
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – The trial regarding a transgender murder started Tuesday. Adam Chodak reports.
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – Transgender murder trial set to begin Tuesday. Anastasiya Bolton reports.
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – Transgender murder trial could spark national conversation. Cheryl Preheim reports.
- Channel 9 News (NBC) – Question before jury: Intentional or impulse? Adam Chodak reports.
- Pam’s House Blend – Voices from the Angie Zapata Family Vigil (April 14, 2009)
Print Coverage
The Denver Post:
- The Angie Zapata Murder Trial
- Zapata: Gender issues to define trial
- Jury selection begins in Greeley transgender killing
- Greene: Road to new life longer than Angie’s
- Polis: Greeley trial puts focus on hate crimes
- Process begins in transgender case
- Greeley slaying suspect snapped after “deception”
- Transgender victim, man had hours of texts, talk
The Greeley Tribune:
- Zapata remembered at candlelight vigil
- Angie Zapata honored with stories, smiles, tears
- In transgender murder trial key question looms: When did suspect know?
- Andrade: Stunned victim or homophobic killer?
- Prosecutors display crime scene photos
Channel 9 News (NBC):
- Defense: Andrade did kill transgender teenager
- Transgender murder trial could spark national conversation
The New York Times:
- Greeley tribune changes course in coverage of transgender murder
- ABC news changes coverage of Greeley transgender teen murder
- Suspected killer arrested in transgendered teen’s murder
- Accused killer of transgendered woman faces additional charges
- Judge plans to rule on confession in killing of transgender woman
- Judge tosses confession, gang links in Greeley transgender murder trial
- Jury selection starts Tuesday in trial of man charged with Zapata slaying
- Prosecutor: Accused Zapata killer didn’t ’snap’ at transgender ‘deception’
Public News Service:
AP:
- Transgender slaying advertised to bring awareness
- Trial set to begin in slaying of transgender woman
- Defense: Colo. transgender slaying about deception
Blog Coverage
The Bilerico Project:
Pam’s House Blend:
- Voices from the Angie Zapata family vigil
- Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial yesterday, today…
- Summary of Wednesday at the Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial & what’s expected Thursday
- Hey, that’s the wonderful thing I noticed! — This is how community is supposed to work!
- 9News: Defense: Andrade did kill transgender teenager
- The bombshell dropped in prosecutor’s opening statement at the Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial
- Q of the day: Angie Zapata hate crime murder trial jury look diverse enough?
The Angie Zapata Murder Trial Begins
April 17, 2009
On Thursday afternoon, the jury was finally selected after two and a half days, and attorneys from the prosecution and the defense presented opening statements in the Angie Zapata murder trial.
The courtroom was filled to capacity, mostly by people there to show support for the Zapata family. Court officials reserve about a quarter of the courtroom seats for media – and they were filled to capacity as well. The best count were that there were four television reporters, two online media reporters, and six print reporters present to hear opening statements.
Autumn Sandeen, of Pam s House Blend, blogging from the courthouse
It was interesting to note the amount of real-time reporting from the courtroom. In Session was streaming opening statements on CNN.com – and joining Autumn Sandeen of Pam’s House Blend Tweeting from the courtroom was Sharon Dunn of The Greeley Tribune. The Denver Channel (ABC 7) and Westword live-blogged the opening statements.
The New York Times wrote a story about the trial, which appeared in print today. The Associated Press and Denver Post also covered the opening statements.
One thing was reported similarly by all the different media outlets: both District Attorney Ken Buck’s office and the defense team agree on one thing – Angie Zapata was brutally beaten to death, her skull was smashed in, and Allen Andrade was the killer.
The prosecution promised to present evidence that Andrade knew that Angie was a transgender woman for at least 36 hours before he killed her.
As an outsider who has grown close to the Zapata family, it was difficult to watch them as they heard the prosecution re-tell the last hours of Angie’s life and the moments when her body was discovered. The image that the prosecution showed during opening statements of Angie’s lifeless body – barely recognizable because of the blunt force trauma inflicted by Andrade’s fire-extinguisher attack on her head – left no doubt about how awful her last moments were.
The picture seemed to affect everyone in the room. Jurors tried to look stoic, and the family tried to contain their emotion – but there was anguish in people’s eyes. This 18-year-old daughter, sister, aunt, and friend did not deserve this type of horrific death. No one does. Clearly, the picture affected me too.
The trial resumed this morning, despite threats of a snow storm late last night. You can follow the trial on line in real time at www.twitter.com/justiceforangie or www.angiezapata.com.
Opening Statements Expected Thursday in Angie Zapata Murder Trial
April 16, 2009
Jury selection continued on the second day of the Angie Zapata murder trial. Weld County, Colo. is finding that it is a long process to seat an impartial jury in this highly visible landmark hate crime prosecution in the first degree murder of a transgender person.
As they work to identify potential jurors, the court and District Attorney’s office have been helpful and accommodating, and court personnel have made preparations for the safety and comfort for the large groups of people attending the trial.
TruTV set up outside the Weld County Courthouse
Jury selection continued throughout the day on Wednesday and will likely wrap up Thursday morning, with opening statements expected to begin sometime around lunchtime. Given the number of jurors in the courtroom, the only people in the room for jury selection are potential jurors and essential court employees.
Tomorrow, as the number of jurors is winnowed to the final panel, others will gain access to the court room to watch the proceedings.
Regardless of the lull in courtroom drama, the media kept a close eye on the day’s events, with reporters hovering around the courtroom throughout the day. A peak in media attention is expected when the opening statements begin on Thursday.
TruTV, led by reporter Beth Karas, will broadcast the entire case live, either during their “In Session” television coverage or streaming live online. Furthermore, Tuesday’s vigil received widespread media coverage statewide, including a very well written piece in The Greeley Tribune.
Kelly Costello, CAVP, being interviewed about the trial by Denver Channel 4
Many are expecting that the defense team will be implementing a “blame the victim” strategy to imply that Angie somehow had responsibility for her own murder. GLAAD will be working to ensure that the media does not co-opt this deceptive and ill-assigned responsibility.
Pam’s House Blend will be tweeting throughout the trial, giving essential updates in real-time, with hash tag “justiceforangie.” GLAAD will continue to post daily updates from the trial with highlights of media coverage of this landmark murder trial.
Media Coverage of the Angie Zapata Murder Trial
April 15, 2009
As the trial in the murder of Angie Zapata begins, GLAAD will be monitoring local and national media for coverage of the trial and of Angie’s story.
Below is a collection of media spanning from the tragic news of Angie’s murder through recent coverage of her alleged murderer’s trial. As the trial progresses, we will continue posting more of the media coverage here at glaadBLOG.
For more information on Angie’s story, visit www.angiezapata.com. If you are a journalist covering the trial, make sure to read GLAAD’s Resource Kit.
Video Coverage
Channel 9 News (NBC) – Angie Zapata Murder Investigation
The Greeley Tribune – Greeley Police Chief Jerry Garner and Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck speak at a press conference on the arrest of Allen Ray Andrade, Angie Zapata’s alleged murderer
The Greeley Tribune – The Zapata family speaks out about the death of Angie Zapata
ProgressNOW Colorado – Angie Zapata’s story: Let’s end hate together
Print Coverage
The Denver Post:
- Hundreds mourn slain teen, hate crime suspected
- Kin believe transgender teen’s killing a hate crime
- Transgender teen’s murder possibly a hate crime
- Date arrested in Greeley transgender murder
- Transgender victim referred to as “it”
- Friends stand up for Angie’s life
- Court date set in Greeley transgender murder
- Charge stands against transgender-murder suspect
- Smile called “provoking act” in transgender case
- Transgender girl’s looks sparked school fight
- Ten years after Matthew Shephard, no change
- Judge tosses part of transgender murder suspect confession
- Transgender slaying advertised to raise awareness
- Memorial ad for murdered transgender woman vexes DA
ABC.com:
The Greeley Tribune:
- Court record describes what led to death of transgender woman
- Andrade faces habitual offender tag
- Transgender victim may be referred to in several ways
- Ads highlight Angie Zapata’s life, death
- Friends, family gather to say goodbye to slain woman
- Keep order in and out of court
- Andrade trial watchers want more than ‘guilty’
- Jurors descend on downtown for 2 murder trials
USA Today (AP):
The New York Times:
The Colorado Independent:
Channel 7 News (ABC):
Blog Coverage
Pam’s House Blend:
- Murder in Colorado
- Arrest in murder of Angie Zapata
- “It”
- Remembering one of our dead
- Dehumanizing transgender human beings
- Angie Zapata’s alleged murdered to go to trial
- Angie Zapata trial: Andrade’s murder confession thrown out
- Blaming the victim, Angie Zapata, for her own death
- Pam’s House Blend will be in Greeley, Colorado next month for Angie Zapata Murder trial
- Angie Zapata murder: this alleged hate crime has left me afraid
- “Angie Zapata was our sister, our aunt, our daughter. She was brutally murdered last July.”
- Light a candle for Angie
TransGriot:
The Bilerico Project:
- Murderer of young transwoman says he killed “it”
- The Angie Zapata Vigil
- Damed if we do, damned of we don’t
- Banning the “trans panic” defense
- Judge throws out confession in Angie Zapata case
GLAAD Reports from the Angie Zapata Murder Trial
April 15, 2009
GLAAD Media Field Strategist Adam Bass is in Greeley, Colo. as the trial in the murder of Angie Zapata begins, working alongside local advocacy organizations on the ground to coordinate local media efforts and support Zapata’s family and friends. Angie Zapata was an 18-year-old transgender woman who was brutally murdered in her own home last July – and the trial for the man accused of murdering her began Tuesday, April 14.
The man who allegedly murdered Angie goes on trial for premeditated murder this week. He also faces a hate crimes charge, the first time such a charge has been leveled against a defendant in the case of a murdered transgender person – in Colorado and the nation.
Colorado media outlets, as well as some national media, have been reporting on Angie Zapata and this murder trial.
Angie Zapata s family gathers for a vigil in her honor Tuesday in Greeley, Colo.
Tuesday, in Greeley, was no different. Locals, led by the Lambda Center of Fort Collins, gathered for a brief candlelight vigil in a downtown Greeley park. They gathered to show support to the family as the trial begins. Speakers included retired Pastor Steve Brown of Greeley and Andy Stoll of the Lambda Center.
Monica Zapata, Angie’s older sister, also spoke, surrounded by many other family members. Monica remembered Angie as “beautiful.” She said that Angie would be happy to see that the community was coming together to “change the world” and make it a better place for other transgender people to live.
Over 60 people gathered in the park to show support to the family, and the event ended a busy news day. Denver television stations CBS 4 Denver, ABC 7 News, NBC 9News and Fox 31 KDVR, as well as Greeley’s Channel 5, filed reports from the opening day of court.
Angie Zapata
TruTV is covering the entire trial. Denver Post and Greeley Tribune reporters were also at the court house, while Pam’s House Blend contributor Autumn Sandeen will be live blogging and using Twitter throughout the trial. The first day of the trial consisted of jury selection, and it is expected that opening statements in the trial will be presented on Thursday.
GLAAD is on the ground to work with the media as they cover this trial – to ensure that Angie’s story is told fairly, accurately and inclusively, and that the story of Angie’s life isn’t lost in the coverage of her murder.
To find out more about Angie Zapata and her life, visit www.angiezapata.com
Call to Action: Demand that Colorado Radio Host Trevor Carey Disavow Remarks Condoning Violence Against Transgender People
March 17, 2009
Earlier today, GLAAD issued a Call to Action in response to comments made by Colorado radio host Trevor Carey.
Here’s some of what it said:
In a disturbing diatribe on KNUS radio on March 14, host Trevor Carey engaged in a conversation with a caller in which both men condoned violence against transgender people, blaming slain Greeley, Colo. resident Angie Zapata, an 18-year-old transgender woman, for her own brutal murder.
(Transcript from Colorado Media Matters):
CAREY: And what the transgender segment of our society needs to be telling their type is, you don’t commit fraud because –
CALLER: No, that’s exactly what it was.
CAREY: A), you’re at least gonna get your teeth kicked in, and B) — [caller laughs] — here’s a story from Greeley that turned out very tragic, and you should pay attention to this, because -
CALLER: You know, when I was growin’ up in Greeley, I grew up in Greeley, that kind of stuff didn’t ever, you know, surface in this town. And it’s just sad, you know; my heart just weeps for all, everybody that’s concerned. But, you know, we gotta go back to basics. You’re a man or you’re a woman, and, like you said, if you’re fraudin’ somebody, then you deserve to have your teeth kicked in. Not necessarily hung or you’re killed, but it just — they shoulda known better, you know?
Carey sustained his gratuitously defamatory tone throughout the entire show, and his remarks during the segment – including a false representation of a conversation with a GLAAD representative – make it clear that his references to Angie and her tragic murder will continue to be disrespectful, abusive and inaccurate. The transcript and audio for the program can be found on the Colorado Media Matters website.
It was reported in The Greeley Tribune on March 13 that Carey had issues with following The Associated Press’ style guidelines on transgender people in talking about Angie Zapata’s story. GLAAD often works behind the scenes with media profession to educate them on terminology and best practices for fair,
Radio host Trevor Carey
accurate and inclusive reporting on LGBT people and issues (details can be found in the GLAAD Media Reference Guide). After reading about Carey’s comments in The Greeley Tribune, GLAAD reached out to him last Friday. Carey not only has a weekend show with KNUS, but also a morning show on KFKA in Greeley – where Angie was murdered.
Carey was unwilling to discuss the issues at hand over the course of a half hour conversation, and instead continued to bring up unrelated – and often offensive – topics about transgender people. The following night, he went on the air and made his defamatory claims, and while doing so, falsely characterized his conversation with GLAAD.
At the end of the day, there is no excuse for promoting violence against transgender people. As a news host, and as a media personality, Carey has a responsibility and obligation to treat Angie Zapata’s story with dignity and respect. He did not, and he needs to disavow his remarks.
Here’s how you can make your voice heard:
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Please contact Trevor Carey and ask him to disavow his remarks that condone violence against transgender people. Call on KFKA and KNUS to hold Carey accountable for his remarks and establish clear standards to ensure their media platforms will not be used to condone or promote violence towards any parts of the communities they serve.
Please forward this link to any of your friends and others who may also wish to take action. When contacting KFKA and KNUS, please ensure that your emails and phone calls are civil and respectful and do not engage in the kind of name calling or abusive behavior that we are expressing our concerns about.
Trevor Carey
Host, KNUS, “Trevor Carey” and KFKA, “AM Colorado with Trevor, Troy and George”
Phone: (720) 434-2714
trevorcareywork@aol.com
Justin Sasso
General Manager, KFKA
Phone: (970) 356-1310
justin@1310kfka.com
Kelly Michaels
Operations Director, Salem Communications (KNUS)
Phone: (303) 750-5687
kelly@salemdenver.com
