"Landmark Federal Gender-Based Hate Crime Trial Begins in South Carolina for Trans Woman's Murder"

The first federal trial for a hate crime based on gender identity is set to begin in South Carolina, where Daqua Lameek Ritter is accused of killing a Black transgender woman. Prosecutors allege that Ritter's crime was motivated by anger over being mocked for having a sexual relationship with the victim. The case marks the first time a federal jury will decide whether to punish someone for a crime based on the victim’s gender identity. Ritter could face multiple life sentences if convicted, and the trial comes amid a surge in attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.