A South Carolina man, Daqua Lameek Ritter, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman. The crime took place in December 2019 in Allendale, South Carolina. On February 24, a jury found Ritter guilty on all charges, which included hate crime, federal firearms violations, and obstruction counts linked to Doe's murder.
This case marks the first time a conviction under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act has been achieved for violence against a transgender individual. Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer commented on the sentencing: “Bias-motivated violence has no place in our society. With today’s sentencing, the defendant is being held accountable for the senseless murder of Dime Doe.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated that while this sentence will not bring back Dime Doe, it provides some comfort to her family and community. Clarke emphasized that "the Justice Department vigorously defends the civil rights of every American."
U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs underscored the commitment to protecting civil rights across South Carolina: “From the smallest of communities, like Allendale... We will continue to fight for the rights of those targeted because of their race, their religion, their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
The FBI played a significant role in investigating this case alongside local law enforcement agencies. Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division reiterated that nobody should live in fear due to their sexual identity or appearance.
Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office expressed hope that this outcome offers some closure to Doe’s loved ones as they continue to mourn her loss.
During the trial, evidence revealed that Ritter was upset about rumors regarding his relationship with Doe and subsequently lured her to a remote location where he committed the murder. Following the crime, Ritter attempted to destroy evidence by burning his clothes and disposing of the weapon.
The prosecution team included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brook Andrews, Ben Garner, Elle Klein from South Carolina's District Office, and Trial Attorney Andrew Manns from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
More details on hate crimes efforts can be accessed at www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.