Ryan Skipper's Family at Peace With Verdict of Son's Killer

R.I.P. Ryan
Welcome My I-Peace Friends and Visitors

If you haven't heard, one of dear Ryan Skipper's killers was found guilty of murder in the second degree, along with theft of motor vehicle, accessory after the fact to robbery, tampering with evidence, and dealing in stolen property. He was immediately sentenced to life in prison, which in Florida is life, and total of an additional 40 years on the other charges which are to be served concurrently. He showed his true colors after sentencing, by smiling and taunting those in the court.

I know Lynn and Pat, felt Ryan received justice and are at peace with Bearden's sentence, which is all that matters.

I was only able to attend a couple days of the trial, however, watched the remainder of it on Court TV and online. I had concerns Bearden wasn't going to be found guilty for his part in Ryan's murder. Being that sadly, the people in Polk county have a reputation for being somewhat homophobic and this would cloud their judgment. This is why the prosecutor didn't add hate crime enhancements to the charges. I was pleased that during sentencing the judge said he felt that Ryan being gay and an easy target was apart of the motivation for his murder. Bearden's own words helped to prove Ryan's murder was in fact a hate crime, as much a robbery and murder. He will spend the rest of his life in prison and perhaps this will save others lives.

As for William 'Bill Bill' David Brown, whose trial is scheduled for October. He's the person who is believed to have stabbed Ryan 19 time, several times after he was dead. I have mixed feelings about his sentence should he be found guilty of murder in the first degree. I'm not a strong proponent of the death penalty, but, the pure viciousness of his actions and suffering Ryan must have endured. If anyone deserves to suffer as Ryan did, it's him.

I posted full media coverage of Bearden's trial, which includes news articles, videos coverage of trial and sentencing, at: http://pridetb.homestead.com/hate2.html.

This is a terrible tragedy for the lives of so many young people and their families. When is such hate and violence ever going to stop.

Stand Up Against Hatred and Hate Inspired Violence
If Not Me or You, Then Who?
If Not Now, Then When?

R. Zeke Fread
Director Pride Tampa Bay