South Florida Gays Honor Texas Victims
MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) - A vigil on Miami Beach Friday night honored a young woman killed in Texas, not something you would normally see in South Florida, but for the community affected the crime could have happened next door.
Nineteen year old Mollie Olgin and her girlfriend, 18 year old Mary Kristene Chapa were both shot in the head at a park in Portland Texas. Olgin died of her injuries.
Members of the Lesbian and Gay community in South Florida say this crime hit them very hard. GetEQUAL Florida and R.Y.P.E, groups who support gender equality and rights for the LGBT community, organized the march down Lincoln Road. "We're all just standing for peace and to honor the memory of Mollie and to honor the couple," explained Caterina Victoria of GetEQUAL Florida. She added, "I didn't personally know either of the girls but any violence against our communities is completely heartbreaking."
Alicia Hernandez said, "we're not sure it was a hate crime, the investigation is still ongoing.. just as women, and as young adults, we would really like their families to understand how much love there is, unconditional love, from everyone around the country for these two young women."
Similar vigils took place around the country to honor the victims. The groups hope the message echoes all the way to Texas and encourages tolerance here in South Florida " This act of violence was horrific, but there are many other things that happen -bullying discrimination in schools," said Victoria, adding, "we are here today to rise above that hatred and really just make a call for peace."
