Possible Hate Crime Murder in Fresno Area

Hi everyone,

We found out about a crime that was committed in the Fresno, CA, area. The
victim, Joel Robles, 29 years-old, Mexican, and possibly a
transgender-related crime. Information is limited at the moment, but we do
know Joel was stabbed three times to death. The Fresno police, from our
sources, have been describing this case as a possible "crime of passion" to
local residents and press.

We want to stress that we are are not 100% sure that this was a hate crime.
However, the police have already begun telling local press that this may be
a crime of passion because he was gay.

We have spoken to Joel's close friends along with Central California Pride
and the local LGBT community there to offer services. There are plans for a
small gathering and vigil planned in Fresno tonight. We have also placed
calls to CUAV, NCLR, Transgender Law Center, and other organizations as
reporters have initially made comparisons to Gwen Araujo.

The Fresno Bee and local TV stations are after the story [including
Telemundo and Univision]. The Bee will publish the story tomorrow.

(additional article below)

We will keep you posted.

-Eddie



Eddie Gutiérrez
Associate Director of Regional Media
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
5455 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1500
Los Angeles, CA 90036
direct: 323.634.2011
cell: 213.713.5565
fax: 323.933.2241
email: gutierrez [at] glaad.org
web: http://www.glaad.org

More Details in Fresno Murder

8/16/2004
abc30.com

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/news/081704_nw_fresno_murder.html

Fresno police revealed more details Monday in the investigation
into Fresno's 34th homicide.

Officers arrested 23-year-old Estanisalao Martinez on Sunday on
Highway 41, near the 180 interchange, after he was seen running
around on the roadway without clothes on.

Martinez is suspected of stabbing 29-year-old Joel Robles to
death.

Neighbors say the victim was known as a cross dresser.

Police believe the victim and suspect had met in Chinatown, and
then went back to the victim's apartment where the stabbing took
place.

Copyright ©2004 ABC Inc., KFSN-TV Inc.