Man convicted in transgender woman's killing in South Carolina

A South Carolina man was found guilty Friday in the killing of a transgender woman in what authorities said was the first federal murder trial of someone charged with a hate crime based on gender identity.

After deliberating for several hours, jurors found the man, Daqua Lameek Ritter, guilty of a hate crime in the murder of the woman, Dime Doe, in 2019.

“It stands as a testament to our commitment to prosecute these crimes,” said Brook Andrews, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the

District of South Carolina. “It also stands as a reminder that Dime's life mattered. It's a tremendous result for us and the people in that community.”

Federal officials have previously prosecuted hate crimes based on gender identity.

Ritter, who was also found guilty of obstructing justice and using a firearm in connection with the killing, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Ritter, who is from New York City, would visit his grandmother in Allendale, South Carolina. During this time, he became close with Doe, according to court documents.

Doe grew up in Allendale, where she worked as a hairdresser, and transitioned in her early 20s, Andrews said. She was 24 at the time of her death.

Witnesses told law enforcement officials that Doe and Ritter were in a sexual relationship during the time leading up to her death. Ritter tried to keep the relationship a secret, according to court documents.

Prosecutors said that Ritter was upset that word about his sexual relationship with Doe was circulating in Allendale. Ritter became “irate” after Doe publicized their relationship, and many of his friends mocked him for it, according to court documents.

Witnesses said he threatened to harm Doe as a result, according to court documents.

Ritter had picked up Doe and was pulled over by an Allendale County sheriff's deputy for speeding. The deputy's body camera video showed Ritter's “distinctive” jeans as well as a tattoo and a scar on his arm, according to court documents, which did not offer more details.

Prosecutors said Ritter then lured Doe to a remote area in Allendale and shot her three times in the head.