Thou Shalt Not Kill – Moses “Teish” Cannon
The small amount of media coverage regarding the murder of Moses “Teish” Cannon has been confusing at best and unremarkable at most. What is known is that Teish, who self-identified as a woman, was murdered in Syracuse, New York on November 14, 2008 after being invited by a family friend to a party. Currently, the only motive reported for the terrible crime is that she was “gay.”
This is where the news media stumbles and I stumble in an effort to provide the proper respects to Teish’s memory. Was Teish a transgendered person who, indeed, identified the former himself as a herself, or did Teish identify as a gay man? The answer to this question is only relevant for purposes of writing this article and adding yet another victim to the growing list of persons murdered because of their sexuality or gender identity.
I feel great sorrow for Teish’s family and friends, and I extend my most heartfelt sympathies. The same sorrow I have felt for countless other victims of senseless crime.
Police are still investigating the murder in order to “decide” whether it is a Hate Crime. Well, the glass slipper fits – wear it.
News coverage of Teish’s murder has been negligible; another slap in the face to a community already feeling the effects of hate after the passage of Proposition 8 in California. The majority has taken our rights and our children and our brothers and sisters, yet we still stand strong. We too shall overcome.
News 10 Now | 24 Hour Local News | ALL NEWS | Vigil held for possible hate crime victim.