For Immediate Release - Justice for Gwen, Part I

Media Contacts:
Cecilia Chung, 415-902-0216
Deputy Director

Christopher Daley, 415-771-7304
Director

For Immediate Release

Justice for Gwen, Part I

Transgender Law Center applauds convictions and calls on Alameda County DA to continue efforts for conviction of Jason Cazares



San Francisco, CA September 12, 2005 - Members of the transgender community can rest more easily as a Hayward, CA jury brings back convictions against Michael Magidson & Jose Merel in the re-trial of the murder of Newark teen, Gwen Araujo.



"These verdicts have been a long-time coming," said Cecilia Chung, Transgender Law Center Deputy Director. "Of course, our hearts go out to Gwen's family and friends as they continue the long wait for Cazeras to be held accountable for his action on that night. Our community will continue to stand along side Gwen’s family until the final justice is served.."



After several days of deliberation, the jury found defendants Magidson and Merel guilty of 2nd degree murder. They were unable to reach a verdict on Cazeras. The verdict followed a re-trial that starkly contrasted with the 2004 trial. As attorneys for the three defendants moved away from the unified front used last year, their overall reliance on "transgender panic" tactics subsided as well.



"TLC applauds the nearly unprecedented efforts of the Alameda County District Attorney's office in twice prosecuting this case and in securing these verdicts," said Christopher Daley, Director of TLC. "Gwen’s murder in 2002 was a stark reminder of the high risk that transgender people face for violence. The actions of Gwen’s family and friends, the D.A office and community members over the last three years are significant steps toward reducing that risk.”

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The Transgender Law Center, an independent non-profit, was founded in 2002. TLC uses direct legal services, education, community organizing, and policy and media advocacy to transform California into a state that recognizes and supports the needs of transgender people and their families