Panic True Queer Crime

At first glance, these stories might seem disparate in time, history, and gender—but they aren't at all. From resistance to bar raids, arrests, and harassment long before Stonewall, to hate crime murders and legal defenses ratified in courts across the world, until gay panic could no longer be sustained as a murder rationale.

Each one of these stories of heartbreak and victory adds a vital detail to the larger story of queer folks and their struggle to achieve equality and full protection under the law.

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1. The Homosexual Advance Defense (1993) In 1993, Malcolm Green confessed to killing a man who tried to help him—a case that exposed Australia's "homosexual advance defense" loophole and sparked decades of activism that eventually changed the law.

2. The Black Cat Cafe During WWII, San Francisco police and the liquor board joined forces to shut down queer gathering spaces. The Black Cat Cafe became an early model of resistance, laying groundwork for the activism that would eventually transform law enforcement's relationship with the city's LGBTQ+ community.

3. Colorado's Conversion Therapy Ban at the Supreme Court (2025) On October 7, 2025, a Colorado counselor challenged the state's conversion therapy ban before the Supreme Court. Research consistently shows these practices cause depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation—especially in minors. A ruling against the ban could allow harmful practices to resume nationwide.

4. Cooper Donuts Riot (1959) On a May night in 1959, trans women, lesbians, drag queens, and gay patrons at Cooper Donuts in LA's Skid Row fought back against police harassment—an early act of LGBTQ+ resistance.

5. Pepper Hill Club Raid (1955) Baltimore police arrested 162 people at the Pepper Hill Club, requiring six wagons and 24 trips. A judge condemned the abuse of power, resulting in only a handful of convictions.

6. Justice for Kier Solomon (2021–2025) Kier Solomon, a 21-year-old transgender woman, was found fatally shot in her car at an Arlington, Texas, apartment complex in September 2021—the 38th transgender person killed by violence in the U.S. that year. After nearly four years unsolved, investigators charged Arthur Morris Jr. with her murder in 2025, using digital evidence, app records, and cell phone data to build the case. This episode honors Kier's life and examines what her case means for LGBTQ+ communities safety and justice.

7. The Murder of Julio Rivera (1990) In 1990, 29-year-old Julio Rivera was killed in a brutal act of anti-gay violence in New York City. His murder galvanized the queer community into action, pressuring police to investigate and sending a clear message: they would no longer tolerate being battered, murdered, and ignored.

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On March 16th, 1973, three members of the Schallock family were found dead in their driveway as their home burned behind them.

This episode explores the tragic descent of Brent William Bedayan, a former athlete whose treatment of schizophrenia couldn't prevent the devastating, violent outcome.

Discover how the defense relied on the discredited psychiatric theory "homosexual panic," even though the decade had ushered in advances in the understanding and treatment of paranoia and schizophrenia.

Join me to explore the rarely discussed intersection of mental health, LGBTQ+ history, and the legal system.

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61, Melvin Schallock was a partner in a food brokerage firm. His brother, Art Schallock pitched for the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles. 53, Ruth Derr Schallock attended the University of California, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. The Schallocks had three children, all sons, all musically inclined, a talent the inherited from their mother.

Sex, Identity, and The Fight for Basic Rights

Two landmark cases that overturned the targeted attempts on the part of states across the United States to criminalize being queer. In 1982 and 1998, both Michael Hardwick, John Geddes Lawrence Jr., and Tyron Garner were arrested for having sex in the privacy of their own homes.

A State of Emergency: Violence Against Black Trans Women, A Cry for Justice

4 Black Trans Women Killed – A State of Emergency from across the country of black transgender women murdered by gun violence. All but one of these cases is solved. All of the women deserve the same justice.

A College Football Player's Deadly Secret: The Ty Underwood Case

On January 26, 2015, residents of a quiet Tyler, Texas neighborhood were startled awake when a car came to a sudden stop, followed by the sound of gunfire. When police arrived, they found the body of 24-year-old Ty Underwood shot to death behind the wheel of her car. Following a trail of clues, police soon arrested 21-year-old Texas College student and football player Carlton Ray Champion Jr. The trial that followed would expose a relationship a killer was desperate to hide.

The Mysterious Death of Timothy Lee

On the evening of November 2, 1985, 23-year-old fashion design student Timothy Charles Lee fell asleep on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train while traveling home after work in San Francisco. Eleven hours later, he was found hanging from a tree in a vacant lot near the Concord BART station.

The Murder of Mr. Tidd

On a warm Miami, Florida evening in 1959, 32, Chelcie Tidd met a handsome stranger and invited him home. At the end of the evening, Tidd's body would be found floating in his pool, and the 23, James Seitz would be on the run. In custody, Seitz would recite line and verse a tale of an unwanted advance and his violent homosexual panic response. A closer look at his past would challenge the idea of panic.

Sex, Identity, and The Fight for Basic Rights

Two landmark cases that overturned the targeted attempts on the part of states across the United States to criminalize being queer. In 1982 and 1998, both Michael Hardwick, John Geddes Lawrence Jr., and Tyron Garner were arrested for having sex in the privacy of their own homes.

It would take decades to overturn the redefinition of sodomy that sought to criminalize the act of same-sex sex. Some of you might be surprised, as I am every time I review these facts, how recent they are. Now and then, someone leaves a comment about how long ago some of the events covered on the channel were.

My response is that current events make a powerful case for telling these stories. Having a firm grounding in what's come before is a solid way of facing the triumphs and challenges to come.

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RESOURCES:

Here is a list of contact information for inquiries or tips about these homicides:

Honee Daniels (Rochester, NY) Rochester Police Department Public Information Officer: Gregory Bello (no direct public phone listed, contact via main line) Rochester Police Department non-emergency: (585) 428-6690 For general tips, contact Rochester Police or check local news sources for updates.

Redd / Barbie (Chicago, IL) Chicago Police Department Non-Emergency: 311 (within city limits) Anti-Gun Enforcement Hotline: (877) CPD-GUNS (273-4867) Gang Hotline: (312) 746-GANG (4264) General contact and tips: Chicago Police Department website or hotline numbers.

Tai Lathan (Baltimore, MD) Baltimore Police Department Homicide Unit: (410) 396-2100 Metro Crime Stoppers (anonymous tips): 1-866-7-LOCKUP (1-866-752-6587) Community advocates such as Maryland Safe Haven are also involved.

Monique Brooks (Orlando, FL) Orange County Sheriff's Office Crimeline (anonymous tips and reward): 1-800-423-TIPS (1-800-423-8477) Orange County Sheriff's Office main line: (407) 836-4357 For updates, check Orange County Sheriff's social media or news releases.

Shannon Boswell (Atlanta, GA) DeKalb County Police Department Non-Emergency: (404) 294-2911 For further tips or information, contact DeKalb County PD or local community organizations.

These contacts are intended for providing information or tips related to these homicide investigations. If immediate assistance is needed or to report a crime in progress, always call 911.

A Serial Killer in the Suburbs of Paris

The first victim was spotted by a passerby on August 13, 2025, as officials fished the body out of the Seine in a suburb of Paris near a known gay cruising spot. Divers searching the area found another body, then another, then another. As investigators search for answers and other possible victims, speculation swirls about the motive for the murders.

The Murder of Ryan Godbey: A Family Seeks Justice

Ryan Godbey, a beloved member of Canton's LGBTQ+ community, whose a disappearance and murder shocked the Canton, Ohio area in 2025. The arrest and charging of the ex-boyfriends answered some questions, leaving others wide open.

If you or anyone you know is the subject of violence, please use the resources below.

The Brutal Murder of Jacob Zieben-Hood?

On August 1, 2025, 34-year-old Jacob Zieben-Hood was found stabbed to death in the Harlem apartment he shared with his husband, Donald Zieben-Hood. Behind their social media image of happiness was a history of domestic violence, protective orders, and escalating threats.

From alleged strangulation in February to a knife threat in June, the abuse intensified. On July 31, Jacob called his father during another violent altercation. Hours later, he was dead. Donald was found with self-inflicted wounds and arrested for violating a protective order.

Christopher Hunnisett: Vicar's Murderer Freed to Kill Again

When the dismembered body of a Reverend Glazebrook was found, his lodger, Christopher Hunnisett, was arrested and put on trial, and found guilty. Acquitted of the vicar's murder, Hunnisett went on a crusade to kill as many "pedos" as he could. Studying investigative techniques, Hunnisett followed a tip to 57-year-old Peter Bick, whom he assumed was an abuser. Pretending to be a date, Hunnisett went to Bick's flat and murdered him.

The details of this case are unusual, but in some ways they align with what I've been exploring in the next episode, which is the origins and legacy of the provocation defense.

A State of Emergency. Three trans women of color, three cities, all lost to unsolved murderous violence.

In Boston, Rita Hester's 1998 murder inspired the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Decades later, her name lives on with a dedicated green space, but justice was never served.

Boston Police Department's Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470. You can also submit information anonymously by calling the Boston Police CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or by texting the word "TIP" to CRIME (27463).

In Minneapolis, Ra'Lasia Wright, a beloved mentor, was found shot outside a home in 2024. Her loved ones still seek answers, and her case remains open.

If you have information regarding the murder of Ra'Lasia Wright in Minneapolis, you can contact the police through several channels:

Minneapolis Police Department tipline:

Email tips to [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 612-673-5845.

In Detroit, Karmin Wells, cherished in the ballroom scene, was killed during what police call a setup date in 2025. Her killer hasn't been caught.

CrimeStoppers (anonymous tips): Call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit information online at CrimeStoppersMN.org.

Tips leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a reward

Detroit Police Dept: 313‑596‑2212

Crime Stoppers: 1‑800‑SPEAK‑UP

Their lives and their senseless murders deserve justice.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Text: Text "START" to 88788

Live Chat & Information: thehotline.org

Services are available 24/7, confidential, and support all individuals regardless of identity or background.

If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Additional Inclusive National and LGBTQ+-Specific Resources

The Trevor Project

Phone: 866-488-7386

Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–24.

LGBT National Hotline

Phone: 888-843-4564

Confidential peer support, information, and resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

Trans Lifeline

Phone: 877-565-8860

Peer support and crisis intervention for trans and non-binary individuals.

NYC Anti-Violence Project

Phone: 212-714-1141 (24/7)

Bilingual support for those affected by violence in the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities.

loveisrespect (National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline)

Phone: 1-866-331-9474, Text "LOVEIS" to 22522, or chat on loveisrespect.org

Specifically for youth and young adults, including LGBTQ+.

DomesticShelters.org

Searchable directory covering shelters and services with LGBTQ+-inclusive filters.

International and Specialized Resources

Thank you, Mystic Magazine Global Resource Guide

https://www.mysticmag.com/psychic-reading/domestic-violence-resource-guide/

Paul Carlile and William Sakosky

On November 5, 1982, Paul Carlile and William Sakosky checked into a room at the gay Florida resort Parliament House, only one of them would leave.

Alana Miccolis and Megha Saluja

Alana Miccolis and Megha Saluja agreed to spend a weekend at the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando, Florida. No one could have imagined how the trail of texts would lead detectives to a volatile trail of obsession, intimate partner violence, and death.

Timothy Charles Lee

On the evening of November 2, 1985, 23-year-old fashion design student Timothy Charles Lee fell asleep on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train while traveling home after work in San Francisco. Eleven hours later, he was found hanging from a tree in a vacant lot near the Concord BART station. Was he targeted and killed, or did he choose that night to end his life?

Jonathan Joss

By the time Jonathan Joss and Tristan Kern de Gonzales were married on Valentine's Day, February 2025, they had been through quite a lot. In January of 2025, the couple's home burned to the ground, and a few months later, Joss would be shot to death in front of his husband. Was the killing an incident of hate?

Ryan Godbey

Ryan Godbey, a beloved member of Canton's LGBTQ+ community, whose disappearance and tragic murder shocked the Canton, Ohio area in 2025. The arrest and charging of the ex-boyfriends answered some questions, leaving others wide open.

Karmin Wells, Rita Hester, and Ra'Lasia Wright

Three trans women of color, three cities, all lost to unsolved murderous violence.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE National Domestic Violence Hotline Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text: Text "START" to 88788 Live Chat & Information: thehotline.org Services are available 24/7, confidential, and support all individuals regardless of identity or background.

If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Additional Inclusive National and LGBTQ+-Specific Resources The Trevor Project Phone: 866-488-7386 Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13–24.

LGBT National Hotline Phone: 888-843-4564 Confidential peer support, information, and resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

Trans Lifeline Phone: 877-565-8860 Peer support and crisis intervention for trans and non-binary individuals. NYC Anti-Violence Project Phone: 212-714-1141 (24/7) Bilingual support for those affected by violence in the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities.

Loveisrespect (National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline) Phone: 1-866-331-9474, Text "LOVEIS" to 22522, or chat on loveisrespect.org.

Specifically for youth and young adults, including LGBTQ+.

DomesticShelters.org Searchable directory covering shelters and services with LGBTQ+-inclusive filters. International and Specialized Resources Thank you, Mystic Magazine Global Resource Guide https://www.mysticmag.com/psychic-reading/domestic-violence-resource-guide/

Panic Queer True Crime, uncovering hidden queer history through true crime. The channel covers crimes in two categories: violence fueled by hate and intimate partner violence. In addition, we cover stories of LGBTQ+ folks targeted by extortion, arrest, and other forms of life-altering violence that don't result in murder. These stories deserve our loving attention because sometimes being queer can be murder.