Remembering Matthew Shepard
Matthew Shepard was remembered one year after his death not as a martyr, but as a brother, son, friend and fellow student.
About 150 people attended a ceremony at the University of Wyoming on Tuesday to remember the college freshman.
In a closed courtroom, jury selection continued for a second day in the trial of Aaron McKinney, 22. McKinney is charged with murder, kidnapping and aggravated robbery in Shepard's death and could face the death penalty if convicted.
The session was closed because sensitive questions such as feelings about homosexuality and the death penalty could be discussed.
Associated Press reporter Robert Black, who is covering the trial, told CBS This Morning Co-Anchor Thalia Assuras the defense surprised many analysts by blaming drugs and not the co-defendant, Russell Henderson, for the murder.
Henderson, 22, is already doing life in prison for his part in the killing, reports CBS News Correspondent Bob McNamara. He avoided the death penalty earlier this year by pleading guilty to murder and kidnapping charges in exchange for two life prison sentences.
It's expected to take about two weeks to seat the panel.
On the anniversary of Shepard's death, two men completed a four-day hike and left 150 homemade teddy bears at the fence outside Laramie, Wyoming, where the gay college student was tied up and beaten.
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| Matthew Shepard |
A friend says all government officials are responsible for Matthew Shepard's death until hate-crime legislation becomes universal.
"I hold and will continue to hold every state representative and every Congress member and the president of the United States accountable for Matt's death until they get hate-crime legislation," said Alex Trout.
In Fort Collins, Colo., Shepard's parents were on hand for the premiere of a documentary on hate crimes, saying they hoped other families would be spared the pain they have gone through since their son's murder.
The film, Journey Toward a Hate-Free Millennium, was shown Tuesday to a sold-out crowd of 650 on the Colorado State University campus, not far from the hospital where Shepard died five days after the attack.
"Hate is a disease. Disease can be cured. The cure is tolerance and education for human dignity and the right to be different," Dennis Shepard told the crowd before the film that looks at his son's death.
"If we can stop one instance of hurt because of this film, the reason you'r here has been worthwhile," he said.
The film also focuses on James Byrd Jr. of Jasper, Texas, a black man dragged to death behind a pickup truck, and Rachel Scott, one of 12 students killed in the April 20 rampage at Columbine High School.
Made in Denver with volunteer crews and donated money, the film looks at what motivates violence, shows the diversity of victims and the tragedies that result. It ends with a call for people to educate one another to stop hate crimes.