Prosecutors should seek the death penalty. His assailants should die. Following this murder, some have cited the Federal Hate Crimes Protection Act as a possible form of prevention. This law would make crimes inspired by prejudice regarding sex, disability and sexual orientation federal offenses. Congress needs to pass our tough hate crimes legislation.
Many states have such statutes but no federal provision currently exists.
Wyoming is not one of these states, and therefore, Shepard's murderers will solely face murder charges. The perpetrators of Mr. Shepard's killing, if convicted, could face the death penalty. Sometimes crimes against homosexuals are considered less important. Sometimes the authorities do not adequately pursue the perpetrators of such crimes. This is wrong.