The Tragic Murder of Matthew Shepard
Matthew Shepherd was found brutally murdered tied to a fence, leading to the most known LGBTQ+ murder case.
Disclosure: This story includes talk of mental health issues, homophobia, SA, and the brutal description of murder. If any of these subjects are a trigger, please take care of yourself and check out some of my other stories!
In 1998, in Laramie, Wyoming, Matthew, a gay teen, left the fireside bar with two men. The next morning, he was found tied to a fence, beaten, in freezing temperature. The investigation opened the discussion of LGBTQ+ treatment and hate crimes. This is his Story…
Childhood
Matthew Wayne Shepard was born in Casper, Wyoming, on December 1, 1976. His father was Dennis Shepard, an Oil Industry Safety Engineer. He married Judith Peck (or Judy). Matthew was raised Episcopalian and even served as an altar boy.
In 1981, Dennis and Judy welcomed their second son, Logan. Matt and Logan had a very close relationship. Matthew was friendly to his classmates as a young child, but his tiny stature made him the target of…
