Matthew Shepard was a college student at the University of Wyoming who was
brutally tortured and murdered in a hate crime. Shepard was robbed and attacked
by two men near Laramie, Wyoming on the night of October 6-7 because of his homosexuality.
Shepard died from his wounds several days later. His killers are currently in prison.
"I believe in evil," says Judy Shepard.
"I believe there are people who have no souls."
Matthew was a young, 21-year old college student attending the University of Wyoming
studing political science. Matthew is the son of Judy Peck Shepard and Dennis Shepard.
Matthew was a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and attended his junior and senior
high school years in Switzerland. Matthew attended both Catawba College and Casper College
then became a student at the University of Wyoming. Matthew had many many friends
including those he met in Switzerland. Matthew had a gentle heart and a kind soul.
Dennis and Judy Shepard founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation in honor of their son, Matthew.
Matthew's parents Judy and Dennis are now active supporters of gay rights and tolerance educators.
If you are not familiar with the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard, Click Here to read a detailed account. I chose to not put all of the crime info on this page as this is a tribute/memorial
to Matthew and to not give the killers another day in the spotlight.
HERE IS A FACT YOU NEED TO KNOW!
The Shepard case prompted President Bill Clinton to renew attempts to extend
federal hate crime legislation to include gays, women and the disabled.
These efforts were rebuffed by the Republican majority in the House of
Representatives in 1999.
