Father accused of fatally shooting son because he was gay

[jaysunb]

Los Angeles prosecutors on Friday charged a 69-year-old man with fatally shooting his son outside the family's North Hills home because the son was gay.

The shooting occurred Tuesday when police responded to a call at the family home and found the bodies of Amir Issa, 29, and his mother, who was not identified. Officers later arrested the Issa's father, Shehada Khalil Issa, who faces one count of premeditated murder.
According to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, Issa had allegedly threatened to kill his son in the past because he was gay.

"The murder was committed because of the victim's sexual orientation and because of the defendant's perception of that status and the victims' association with a person and a group of that status," prosecutors alleged in a statement.



http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-father-accused-of-fatally-shooting-son-because-he-was-gay-20160401-story.html

[metroins]

1. Tragic waste of life

Not much else to say really.

[shenmue]

2. ...

[HassleCat]

3. Marvin Gaye's dad did it.

Not because he thought Marvin was gay, but because he thought Marvin's womanizing and partying would send him to hell.

[JI7]

4. "honor killing" ? islamic fanatic ?

[Behind the Aegis]

5. Certainly a possibility.

I found this to be enlightening too:

Gays and lesbians are among groups that are overwhelmingly affected by hate crimes, according to a report released last year by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations. Sexual orientation was the primary motivating factor in one out of every four hate crimes.

The number of hate crimes motivated by sexual orientation has risen by 14% between 2013 and 2014, the report said. Hate crimes targeting gay men rose 31%.

(emphasis mine)

"Honor" killings of GLBs person, usually gay men, is not nearly as common as 'honor' killing of women, but is just as disgusting and often brushed under the carpet.

[muriel_volestrangler]

18. They appear to be Christian - 7th Day Adventist

(although that might not be all of them).

Amir Issa had chronicled his frustration with his parents on his Facebook page, saying that they were trying to control him.
...
Issa added, “I want to see Jesus. Please help rid this world of the demons that attack me,” and said that he had directed his life insurance money to go to the Seventh-day Adventist church.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/la-father-accused-killing-son-gay-article-1.2586050

Notice the prominent crucifix on the wall in the picture of, I think, the parents' home.

[yewberry]

6. Why is the death of the woman here barely a footnote?

It's a terrible crime. But barely noting that there are two victims? WTF is that?

[Behind the Aegis]

7. Probably because the reason for one murder is known to be a hate crime.

It appears the reason for the murder of the wife/mother is unknown as is the assailant, at least how I read the article.

[yewberry]

8. So her death is less exciting to media.

And less important.

Check. Message received.

[Behind the Aegis]

9. I have no idea, I am not the reporter.

Using your logic, his death is less important and unworthy of a story.

Check. Message received.

[yewberry]

12. Incorrect.

This young man's death was worthy of a story and it was broadcasted. And for a reason. It's a terrible story and should be shared.

This woman's death was not as important.

She's a woman, after all. Why would anyone care why she's dead?

[Behind the Aegis]

13. Incorrect.

This woman's death is as important, but there was no information to report. Should the reporter have not reported the story of the murdered gay man until he knew who and why the mother was murdered?

This story was about the murder of gay man, for simply being gay.

[JI7]

16. because it's about the father being charged in the hate crime

[TxDemChem]

10. I am so sorry to hear about this

I feel for the victims' family

[DisgustipatedinCA]

14. That would be the perpetrator.

Sorry, I knew what you meant--couldn't resist.

[xfundy]

11. Relative of Darrel Issa?

Just wondering. Stranger things have happened.

[brer cat]

15. Horrible!

Tragic loss of life.

[moonbabygo]

20. I thought

my cats were the only ones who walked across my key board

[Democat]

17. If the headline were "Christian Father accused of fatally shooting son because he was gay"

This would be the most popular thread on DU for a week.

[Bluenorthwest]

21. Yes the 'faith community' on DU does revel in affecting that they are the victims of the crimes

committed by religious persons in the name of religion. Two dead people and your concern is that folks in the same group as the murderer might be bothered by the story.

I'd not mention that if it was not so diametrically opposed to what the Christian religion asks of it's followers.

[Marrah_G]

19. So sad