Police said in a press release that an altercation took place between Chris Skinner and the occupants of a black sport utility vehicle (SUV) on Oct 18 where Skinner was knocked to the ground, according to media reports. The attackers then returned to their vehicle and ran Skinner over with it. He was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries.
Hours earlier, Skinner and his fiancé Ryan Cooke had been celebrating Skinner’s sister’s birthday in the entertainment district. Skinner decided to leave the party and walk home alone.
Toronto police have since released video footage that suggests Skinner may have struck the SUV with his hand while trying to hail a cab. Skinner is also gay and the slaying has triggered speculation as to whether the graphic designer might have been the victim of a hate crime.
The police haven’t drawn that conclusion.
“No, there’s not at all any indication that there were homophobic elements to the attack,” gay newspaper xtra.ca quoted Det Stacey Gallant as saying.
On Oct 25, hundreds gathered at Church and Wellesley Sts in Toronto to hold a vigil and march raising candles and retracing the fateful walk Skinner took a week ago.
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Reader's Comments
Also your loved ones!
Law enforcement officers might never get to the real purpetrators but they can not escape the vigil of The Almighty God!
Rest in Peace dear friend!
For at least the devilmindednesss rests NOT with you!
Anton Human in RSA.
The Trafalgar Square incident was followed by a candlelight vigil there last weekend, I think it was reported 10,000 people attended. Nothing in Fridae though.
If Fridae are going to feature articles about homophobic attacks, there are are much clearer examples out there.
Seriously, though, the attacks described above are indeed horrific...and it's happened in London! Seems that everywhere you go, its just shite these days. :-(
....Two attacks at Georgetown University, Washington State, both being taunted with gay slurs before being attacked. Vigils being held.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/02/AR2009110202120.html?hpid=sec-education
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/31/crowds-gather-in-trafalgar-square-to-say-no-to-hate/#
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