Shame on the defense attorneysI could not stand the attacking of the victim the defense did either.  I understand the job of the defense is to provide the best defense they could.  I hope from now on that the way Angie was slimed and smeared will not be the defense used again the next time another transgender sister or brother is murdered.  
I watched the closing arguments of this case.  I watched as the defense attorney attacked the victim Angie Zapata and tried to make her sound that she lived her whole life as a lie.  Watching and listening to this made my blood boil.  
I don’t know if the defense attorneys truly believe the garbage they said about Angie Zapata, I hope they don’t.  I don’t know if they can tell how they honestly feel about Angie and other transgender people at the risk of an appeal.  It would be nice if the defense attorneys could issue a statement for the record.  I believe Kat mentioned an ethics violation complaint.  I don’t know how all that works, but the more I think about it, the more I would like to see one reported.
Note to Autumn, I will be up in Greeley around 1:30 to make sure I find our meeting place.  If you get done earlier, call me.

Love for the ZapatasOne consistent positive for me during the entire tragic story of Angie Zapata’s death has been the Zapata family. Seeing families which accept and love their trans sisters/daughters/cousins/aunts/nieces is so rare. The Zapata family’s love for Angie has shone through so much of the hate and darkness during this time, and I wish them so much love as they heal from this tragedy.

I will second that,  The thanks the family have given the community is super.  And they are receiving the love back.
 I lived in Florida where the laws for LGBT people are hostile.  When I came out, I realized living in a state that hated you was not fun.  I thought about a few states, and saw the progress that Governor Ritter and the Legislature was making and decided on Colorado.  I feel in love with the people here as well as the natural beauty of this state.  
 I have met more people like the Zapatas then I have of the Andrade type.  Florida has plenty of them, that is why I left.

Unfortunately, I doubt it will change anythingDefense attorneys still try to smear and slime rape victims.

Let’s hear it for the DA’s and Police as wellIt is clear from the family’s statement that the legal system has been pretty consistently supportive of them, and in seeking justice for Angie. I may be mistaken, but it seems from the earliest reports of this crime, the legal and police forces never wavered in their determination to find and convict the murderer, while never shying away from the truth about the hate inherent in this crime.
While the defense pretty much telegraphed their decision to use the “panic” defense, it appears from Autumn’s great reporting that the prosecutors were quietly holding the key evidence that would destroy that defense and show Andrade as the calculating monster he is. That is pretty good strategy and was reflected in how fast the jury came back. Clearly, they pretty much walked into the jury room convinced of his guilt.  

No kiddingI was a victim of a brutal, brutal, brutal beating and the scumbag Defense attorney dug up my long association with the Leather Community and used it against my character even though that had absolutely nothing to do with anything.
He made the Prosecution so uncomfortable about it in very conservative Orange County, CA that they dropped the charges after putting me through three years of hell.
Truth & Justice are rarely allowed to enter a Courtroom, especially Truth.  I am glad it got to sneak in for Angie and this animal will never be free ever.

That made me cry…That was so hard to watch…

It just bubbles out of a well……for some of them.

I think it is changing though,  Maybe it is just the optimist in me, I think the blame the victim has just about run its course.  This case will have defense lawyers questioning its success.  I look back ten years to the Mathew Shepard murder and how that went verses now.  I also believe that the end of the gay-panic defense is about finished as well.
 I will say personally, as I am transgender and live in Colorado, knowing that Andrade got the best punishment for his crime, I do feel a bit safer knowing that the law will not tolerate these kind of crimes.  It is just something in the psychology knowing that a human life is valued, no matter what gender, orientation, etc.  
 Now if the US congress can get busy to insure these protections for every LGBT person in the US, I would feel even better.  

Famiies who support their trans brothers, sons, uncles and nephews equally deserve our praise and gratitude.

hard toooI found it hard to watch as well.

Watched itand bit my hand rather than cry and scare my kids yesterday. Couldn’t comment…
Nothing will ever make up for their loss; I know that now 2+ years after my own sister’s death. They will feel the pain every day, even as time passes and it softens the edges somewhat- reminders are everywhere of the sister they lost.
The trick (for me) is to eventually think of them as reminders, as a light touch from her.
May Life be very kind and good to them all.