Teen Dressed in Women’s Clothing Murdered
Saturday, February 23, 2008
This is Simmie Williams; he is 17 years-old. Unfortunately he will not celebrate his 18th birthday because he was shot on Sistrunk Boulevard late Thursday or early Friday morning in Fort Lauderdale, FL and died. His shooting may not have warranted mentioning on the pages of the Miami Herald except he was dressed in women's clothing when he was shot and in an area frequented by transvestite prostitutes.
Of course the sensationalism of the alternative lifestyle of this young man brought out the heathens and mean-spirited folks who chose to make inappropriate and offensive comments on the Miami Herald site. The Herald executives really should discontinue the comment feature or at least make sure the comments are moderated.
Two men were seen fleeing the scene where the shooting occurred.
Simmie was a son, grandson and uncle. Not knowing much of his story except of the incarcerated and absent father that too frequently describes the lives of many black boys. Regardless of his home environment and his lifestyle, he did not deserve to die that way.
My heart goes out to his mother and the rest of his family. May his soul find the freedom he was unable to attain here on earth. Ashé.
Police ask those with information to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
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I saw this on the news Sunday morning. I wasn't sure if he went out dressed in women's clothing or if the murderers later did that to him. The story was very unclear. But no matter. It is a tragedy that such a young life was lost. I hope that this sparks a reaction from the minority communities that sends a strong message that hate crimes will not go unpunished in South Florida.
With regards to Miami Herald's comments section- I usually just don't even venture there. Some of the most vile, close minded, bigoted people online have free dominion in that section and it's not even worth it to get down on that level and argue with fools. I complained so much and reported so many posts when people started going on racist, sexist, and elitist tirades about Mae Jemison at the Gamma Zeta Omega luncheon that the Herald disabled the comments section. So I agree, they need to either hire someone to moderate those forums or close them altogether. I know the purpose is to spark interactive, engaging conversation with their subscribers but that isn't happening so the purpose is lost.
Posted by: Brooke | Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 01:59 PM
There was a vigil in his honor. I've seen it posted on quite a few blogs especially in the LGBT community. I felts such pain for his mother. Prayerfully his killer will be caught and punished. Ashe'
Posted by: Vanessa | Saturday, March 01, 2008 at 04:28 PM