Federal hate-crime trial set in Allendale transgender killing
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - A federal hate-crime trial is scheduled next week for a man charged in the 2019 killing of a transgender woman in Allendale County.
Daqua Ritter is charged with a hate crime in the murder of a transgender woman; using a firearm in connection with the hate crime; and obstruction of justice.
A federal indictment alleges that on Aug. 4, 2019, Ritter shot LaDime Doe, a transgender woman, because of Dime Doe’s actual and perceived gender identity.
The indictment further charges Ritter with misleading state investigators about his whereabouts on the day of the murder.
The hate crime count against Ritter carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The count of obstruction of justice carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment.
Jury selection and opening statements in Ritter’s trial are set for Feb. 12 in Courtroom 3 of U.S. District Court.
The trial is expected to last one to two weeks.
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