The one thing Matthew Shepherd had in common with his suspected killers was youth. All in their late teens and early twenties, they were barely more than kids.
Hate crimes are often youth crimes committed by kids caught up in the excitement of the crowd.
Kids are often caught up in the group and sometimes do in a group things they normally wouldn't do. Sixteen year old Sopheap says the group personality is sometimes overwhelming. It's like a drug for them. Kids not only commit the crime, they are victims as well. Now, kids are even more afraid.