Following the devastating quadruple homicide of a New York Black lesbian couple and their children, another Black lesbian mother and daughter have been killed.
Robin Denson of West Palm Beach, FL says her 26-year-old son, Marlin Lance Joseph, shot and killed her partner, 36-year-old Kaladaa Crowell and her daughter 11-year-old Kyra Inglett. This has not been classified as a hate crime, as the motive is still under investigation, but nonetheless, the brutal murder of three Black lesbians in a row asks the question: What is going on?
In 2017, more LGBTQ people were killed in hate-violence-related homicides than previous years, and that was without including those who died at the Pulse shooting in Orlando. According to a report from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs and our friends at INTO, of the total number of LGBTQ homicides in 2017, 75% of the victims were people of color; 20 (56%) of the victims were Black. Transgender women of color face the highest murders rates. These chilling statistics should not be ignored.
Denson tearfully begged her son to turn himself in at a press briefing on New Years Day.
“Marlin, son, I love you,” she said. “You know I love you, but please, turn yourself in. If you’re scared to do so, call me.”
The police have since located and arrested Joseph. We are deeply saddened and disturbed by these senseless and devastating murders.
Rest in peace Kaldaa and Kyra.
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