Older Gay Men Targeted In Separate Violent Crimes
In recent months, two disturbing cases reported by BBC News and HuffPost have highlighted the vulnerability of older gay men to violent crimes. These incidents in different parts of the world stresses a troubling trend that has left communities shaken and demanding justice.
The Carlisle Case
In Carlisle, UK, 20-year-old Jack Crawley stands accused of the manslaughter of Paul Taylor, an army veteran. Crawley, who admits to the lesser charge but denies murder, claims he targeted Taylor to steal his car due to mounting drug debts. The court heard that Crawley had previously met Taylor through a dating app, leading to a tragic encounter in October 2023. Taylor’s remains were discovered months later in a shallow grave.
Crawley, who identifies as bisexual, initially withheld this information from police, fearing it would be perceived as a weakness due to his involvement with a drug gang. During the trial, he denied harboring any animosity towards older gay men and maintained that the incident was a theft gone wrong.
Detroit Crime Shocks the Community
Across the Atlantic in Detroit, USA, a 17-year-old faces charges as an adult for the murder of 64-year-old Howard Brisendine. As reported by HuffPost, prosecutors allege that the teenager targeted Brisendine through a dating app because of his sexuality. The young suspect reportedly went to Brisendine’s home in late September, fatally stabbed him, and stole his car.
Brisendine was a well-known figure at Gigi’s nightclub, where he worked as a doorman. His death has been described as a potential hate crime by family members and community advocates. While formal hate crime charges have not yet been filed, authorities are investigating this angle.
A Call for Justice and Awareness
These cases highlight the persistent dangers faced by older gay men, particularly when using dating apps. The Fair Michigan Justice Project has emphasised the need for greater awareness and protection for LGBTQIA+ individuals against such violent acts.
FBI statistics reveal an increase in hate crimes against the LGBTQIA+ community in 2023, despite an overall decline in violent crime across the U.S. Many attribute this rise to inflammatory rhetoric from certain political figures.
