ANN ARBOR – Equality Michigan and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) have learned of the disturbing hook-up related homicide of David Maurer, age 71, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. According to local media reports, Maurer was killed and robbed on Nov. 23 by three men – one or two of whom he may have been previously acquainted with. Media sources say that Maurer invited the men into his home to engage in sex. Mark Anthony Paling, 19, Rikky Lee Ranger, 20, and Richard Ray Thompson, 18, have been arrested and charged in connection with Maurer’s death.
“David Maurer’s homicide shows the real need for education, public awareness, and campaigns specifically focused on hook-up violence and intimate partner violence in LGBTQ communities,” said Chai Jindasurat, Co-Director of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “Stigma often prevents us from talking about hook-up violence, that’s why at NCAVP we are working hard to raise awareness about this critical issue in our communities.”
In NCAVP’s report Intimate Partner Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV Affected Communities in 2012, released on October 1st, 2013, NCAVP documented 21 LGBTQ intimate partner violence homicides in the United States in 2012. This is over three times the number of documented IPV homicides in 2010, and the highest number of IPV homicides ever recorded by the Coalition. The report also found that roughly half of the 21 IPV homicide victims were men (47.6%). Additionally, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lesbians, gay men and bisexual people experience intimate partner violence at the same or higher rates as non-LGB people.
Equality Michigan, a member of NCAVP, is working with the national organization to raise awareness of this homicide and to support the local communities affected by this violence.
“Equality Michigan is deeply saddened by the loss of another member of our community to violence. It is heartbreaking to know that this holiday season, David Edward Maurer’s friends and family are mourning his death rather than celebrating the season with him,” said Yvonne Siferd, Director of Victim Services for Equality Michigan. “The fact that this tragic murder happened in Ann Arbor is another painful reminder that even in our most affirming and accepting communities, we are vulnerable to violence. We are glad that the men who committed this heinous act have been caught, and we will be following their cases closely through the coming months.”
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.
Equality Michigan is the statewide victim services organization for Michigan’s LGBT communities and people living with HIV. To report harassment, discrimination, or violence related to your actual or perceived LGBT or HIV status, please contact us at 866-962-1147, report@equalitymi.org, or www.equalitymi.org/report.
Equality Michigan
