Araujo was eventually strangled to death with a rope, tied up and taken by four of the men -- Jose Merel, Magidson, Cazares and Nabors -- in the back of a pickup truck to a camping area in the El Dorado National Forest where they buried her body. Prospective jurors were asked if they knew any lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people; whether they knew any recently married same-sex couples; whether they had met any transgender people; or whether they had seen a "movie or theatrical performance depicting the activities of a transgender person". That friend told someone else and the rumor of Araujo's murder eventually got back to the family who reported it to police. Court adjourned Thursday before Nabors could begin describing the night of the slaying. Gwen Araujo was a 17-year-old transgender woman from Newark, California. I never heard of the word transgender until she died.". It was a beautiful conversation that Ill always cherish, Guerrero said. Back in Tracy, Guerrero examined a broken taillight on her car while holding her daughters framed picture in her left hand. Today shes an admired activist for transgender causes, even though the horror of Gwens fate has upended her life. Police then question Nabors, Magidson and Jos Merl. Her hair is dyed black and falls flat against her back. [7], Araujo came out as transgender in 1999 at the age of 14, and began using the name Gwen after her favorite musician, Gwen Stefani, but also went by Wendy and Lida. "[59], Michael Magidson and Jos Merl were sentenced in January to 15 years to life in prison, for second-degree murder. [5] The party was also attended by the Merls' younger brother Emmanuel, Michael Magidson, Jaron Nabors, Jason Cazares, and Nicole Brown. ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream. Fourteen years later, the twomen convicted of second-degree murder faced a parole board for the first time this week in a world more aware of what it means to be a transgender person and the dangers the trans community faces. [23] It is not clear at what point during this sequence of events she died. Gwen Araujo was a 17-year-old transgender teenager who lived in Newark, Calif. with her mother, Sylvia Guerrero. The four men were outside talking and smoking when Nabors asked, "Could this be a dude?" Gwen Araujo was born on February 24, 1985, in Brawley, California, to Edward Araujo and Sylvia Guerrero. "[15] According to Nabors, Magidson added "I don't know what I'm going to do", and Nabors replied, "Whatever you do, make sure you don't make a mess. Investigators got Nabors' friend to wear a wire and record Nabors talking about the murder. The 17-year-old from the San Francisco Bay Area was punched, beaten and eventually strangled to death when several men discovered she was a transgender woman. 2501 into law. Most people in their neighborhood called her mom.. I have a family. [8][13] According to Merl, Magidson said he was not sure she was dead until they struck her with a shovel. [29] The final votes were 102 in favor of acquitting Merl and Cazares of first-degree murder, and 75 in favor of convicting Magidson of first-degree murder. [15], On the night of October 3, 2002, Araujo attended a party at a house rented by Jos and Paul Merl,[18][19] attended by them, their younger brother Emmanuel Merl, Michael Magidson, Jaron Nabors, Jason Cazares, and Nicole Brown. [68] By 2005, Guerrero had spoken to more than 20 schools. The younger brother of one of three men accused of killing a Newark transgender teen testified Thursday that he had tried to rescue Gwen Araujo but had been stopped by one of the men and the. Vigils and marches seeking justice for Araujo were held in several San Francisco Bay Area cities. Momsespecially momsif they knew the factsyou'd be surprised. [30] Cazares kicked her. It's who she was. [8], Paul Merl was released after Brown and Emmanuel Merl told the police that he had left the scene with them. Only 17 years old at the time of her death, today Gwen would be a 27-year-old young woman had her life not been brutally taken by four men who discovered she was born male. The other two, Jaron Nabors and Jason Cazares, took plea bargains to voluntary manslaughter. Even though it took time to adjust to the change, soon they started to see and accept Araujo as a woman. I love children. At one point, he said, he saw Magidson choking Araujo and pulled Magidson's arm off the victim. The first trial started on April 14, 2004 and ended in a hung jury against Magidson, Merel and Cazares. At age 14, Araujo sat down with her mom for a heart-to-heart talk. The day after the first trial ended in a mistrial, a court granted Araujo's mother's petition for a posthumous name change, requiring the defense lawyers to refer to the victim with female pronouns. [58] After the trial, one of the jurors stated in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle that the murder conviction was because "The community standard is not and cannot be that killing is something a reasonable person would have done that night" but not hate crimes since the murder was believed to have been committed not because Araujo was transgender, but to "cover up a situation that had gotten out of control". Merl refused to answer the prosecutor's questions about how Araujo died. [6] Her parents divorced when she was 10 months old. Ciara-Kiona Purvis September 11, 2022 Interpersonal Communication A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo story is based on a true story. Jerry Brown, states that fear or surprise of a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity may not be used a legal defense to justify an assault. On Tuesday, trans rights advocates and Gwens loved ones will gather at San Franciscos Main Library to honor her legacy on the anniversary of her murder. | Olivia Cruz Mayeda/The Standard, By clicking Subscribe you confirm you have read and agree to our. Magidson, 24, of Fremont and Jason Cazares and Jose Merel, both 24 and from Newark, are being tried on murder and hate-crime charges and could face life in prison if convicted. The elderly woman was a victim of recent storms. The civil rights leader made several notable appearances in the Bay Area, where he paved the way for future leaders like SFs first Black mayor, London Breed. [9], On the first anniversary of the murder, Horizons Foundation created the Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund for Transgender Education. I cant tell youhow many people have told me, because of your daughter, I am free to be who I am.. They are 22-year-old Michael Magidson, 22-year-old Jos Merl, 22-year-old Jason Cazares, and 19-year-old and Jaron Nabors. [29], Before the first trial, the prosecuting attorney, Alameda County deputy district attorney Chris Lamiero argued that simply being transgender should not have been a death sentence:[44]. [22], When Nabors and Cazares returned, Araujo was still conscious, bleeding from her head wound and sitting on the couch. The story of Gwen's life has been celebrated and kept alive . Guerrero sees her daughters legacy firsthand each time the Lifetime movie, A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Storyairs. [78][79][80] AB 2501 was introduced by Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla in partnership with Equality California. Especially in today's society, she would have been rejected if not harmed had she been so open about it. [39][40][41] At the first trial, defense attorney Tony Serra accused Nabors of writing the letter knowing it would be intercepted and implicate Cazares. Before Gwens death, Guerrero was a legal assistant and had a 401(k) pension account. His first parole board hearing had just gotten underway in Chowchilla on Wednesday when he told the parole board he needed more self-help, including drug and alcohol treatment. Her mother released 17 butterflies in her memory. Merl was granted early parole in 2016, after reportedly showing extensive remorse to Araujo's mother, who supported the decision. Whether its riding public transit or waiting in line at the doctors office on a daily basis, the amount of trauma a trans person experiences is really unparalleled, and it adds up, Noyola said. Days before the 20-year anniversary of her daughters murder, Guerrero stood in front of the TV at her sons apartment in Tracy and flipped through generic photos of Pescaderos foggy coastline. Gwen Amber Rose Araujo was a teenager who lived in Newark, California. The jury is unable to reach a guilty verdict and the judge declares mistrial. [52] To avoid a second mistrial, prosecuting attorney Chris Lamiero argued for a first-degree murder conviction, but gave jurors the option of a second-degree murder conviction for the three, or even manslaughter for Merl. But the murder of Gwen Araujo is still important today. Cazares, Magidson, Merl:First trial:MistrialSecond trial: Gwen Amber Rose Araujo (February 24, 1985 October 4, 2002)[1] was an American trans teenager who was murdered in Newark, California at the age of 17. At a vigil later that evening at the LGBT Center in San Francisco, advocated lamented the men were not convicted of first-degree murder but still called the verdict a huge victory for the transgender rights. An estimated 3,000 marched from Dolores Park to Civic Center where a rally was held. This is the narrative that has persisted since shortly after Gwen's murder, but are there reasons to believe that this version of events isn't quite true? "I don't want him to be identified in the rec room at Santa Rita (jail).". [17], In the early morning hours of October 4, Magidson asked Araujo to reveal her sex or allow him to touch her genitals, which she refused. On their living room sofa, Guerrero and her daughter planned out the future. She is born with male genitalia and raised as a boy by her family, who call her Eddie. I feel like he forced them into homosexual sex, and my definition of rape was being forced into sex." Questions, comments or concerns about this article may be sent to [emailprotected]. Two of the men, Michael Magidson and Jose Merel were convicted of 2nd degree murder and face sentences of 15 years to life. When trans people are painted in negative, stigmatized portrayals by politicians and so-called legal experts as has happened with ongoing bathroom policy debates the trans community gets marked for ridicule and violence, she said. Watch the ABC7 Originals documentary, "Being Gwen: A Life and Death Story," streaming now in the video player above.It's also available on the ABC Owned Television Stations' connected TV Apps: ABC7 Bay Area, ABC30 Central California, ABC7 Los Angeles, ABC7 New York, ABC7 Chicago, 6abc Philadelphia, ABC13 Houston, and ABC11 Raleigh-Durham. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the Gwen Araujo Justice for Victims Act into law, challenging the gay/trans panic defense used by her killers to lessen their culpability. Charges against Paul Merel were dropped the following day. The 17-year-old from the San Francisco Bay Area was punched, beaten and eventually strangled to death when several men discovered she was a transgender woman. The ABC7 Originals documentary, "Being Gwen: A Life and Death Story," focuses on the struggles she faced early in life, her gender transition as a young teenager, and the tragic events in October 2002 that led to her death. [61], Jos Merl was granted parole in 2016 with the support of Sylvia Guerrero. I was treated differently when I was wearing my business clothes to now that Im in shorts and have no money, Guerrero said, waving her hand over her figure. The 17-year-old from the San Francisco Bay Area was punched, beaten and. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Merl was confident that charges would be dropped. "[22], The party-goers did not report the crime and the assailants said nothing to anyone about the murder. Here's what happened to Bay Area trans teen Gwen Araujo. According to court testimony, Araujo, whom the men knew a Lida, engaged in sexual activity with Michael Magidson and Jos Merl. [14], Nabors pleaded guilty on February 24, 2003, to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, which carried an 11-year prison sentence, along with a promise to testify against the other three defendants. Three men are suspected of killing the 17-year-old who frequently dressed like a young woman. "My first impression of her was that she wasn't shy at all," Nabors said. Stuff like that. Writing is not a hobby, but a passion. Guerrero became an advocate for transgender rights. Justice for Araujo was delayed. [52] Serra also argued that Cazares took no active role in killing her. Gwen Araujo was a 17-year-old transgender teenager who lived in Newark, Calif. with her mother, Sylvia Guerrero. Alameda County Sheriff's Office dispatched four crime scene investigators and two detectives to recover the body from the grave site. By early morning on Oct. 4, the men questioned Araujo and demanded to know if she is biologically male. Police began to interview the party-goers, and one of them led the police to the Merls' house. Feb. 24, 1985At age 14, Eddie tells his mom that he feels like a girl trapped in a boy's body. Nabors took the stand under tight security. [12], Nabors and Cazares left in Magidson's truck to retrieve shovels and a pickaxe from Cazares's house,[25][28] saying as they left the Merl house that the other men were going to "kill that b". Over the course of the trial, defense attorney Tony Serra, who represented Jason Cazares, attacked the credibility of Jaron Nabors, whom he accused of being the primary aggressor and blaming his friends for the murder. ", HAYWARD / Suspect's brother says he tried to aid Araujo / He testifies others blocked him from rescuing victim. He took the stand Thursday afternoon -- his 21st birthday -- and described how, the first night he met Araujo that summer, he had gotten the "crazy idea" she might have been a man. With content streaming every single day, readers can turn to The Crime Center to fill their true crime needs. [31] Merl was concerned with cleaning Araujo's blood off the couch[30] and carpet before retreating to his room so the others would not see him crying.[23]. The law, signed by Gov. Under cross-examination, Emmanuel Merel said he had gone to the police two weeks after the slaying because police had wrongly arrested Paul Merel for the crime. In this video, I explain my theory about what may have actually happened to lead up to Gwen's murder. After Araujo was knocked unconscious, Magidson bound her wrists and ankles, then she was wrapped in a comforter to minimize the amount of blood staining the carpet, before being carried to the garage of the home. In her death, she has literally saved thousands of lives. Guerrero said. As the escalator ascended to the street, Gwen transformed. Gwen, often called a woman, was really just a 90-pound girl withno chance against the four drunken youngmen, including two who had been sexually intimate with her, Guerrero said. [8] Police did not initially take the missing persons case seriously partly because she was transgender,[9] and she was known to stay away from home overnight. Although they were given the option of convicting the men of second-degree murder or manslaughter, they were unable to proceed past the first-degree murder deliberations. Then while Araujo was in the bathroom, Brown went inside, grabbed her crotch, and reportedly shouted to the group, "It's a man.". She was cremated, and her mother Sylvia Guerrero retained the urn with her ashes. One can debate the propriety of one choosing to identify with a gender other than the one they were born with. [22] Emmanuel Merl testified that he also tried to escort Araujo away from the house, but was prevented by Magidson and Nabors. Paul Merl was quickly released because his girlfriend came forward to the . Analysts compared the strategy to the "gay panic" defense. They viciously beat and strangled Gwento death at a Newark house party on Oct. 4,2002, after they confirmed she was biologically male. [8], Araujo first met Michael Magidson, Jos Merl, Jaron Nabors, and Jason Cazares in late August or early September 2002. A recent family photograph shows Eddie Araujo holding his niece Arianna. She says she is excited to return to actively working on the cause. "It is for this witness' safety," Sheppard said, during a meeting with journalists in his office. As Judge Harry Sheppard instructed, the verdicts were kept secret. For the uninitiated, Araujo was a 17-year-old trans woman from Newark, California. The case became a rallying cry for transgender rights. [19], TransVision, a comprehensive health and social services program for transgender people in Alameda County, was founded in 2002 and operated by Tri-City Health Center after the murder of Gwen Araujo. Merl and Magidson were sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 15 years. Magidson, however, has reportedly never shown remorse and has been denied parole twice since his sentencing. Eddie then began transitioning as a woman and called herself Gwen, after her favorite singer Gwen Stefani.According to court testimony, Araujo, whom the men knew a Lida, engaged in sexual . [45] In his opening statement, the defense attorney for Magidson argued that he should not be charged with murder, rather manslaughter at worst, under California law. Araujo usually checked in with her mother, so when she did not come home the day after the party, her mother called the police on October 5 to report her missing. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. In 2002, she would be brutally murdered by a group of men who uncovered that she was transgender. Araujo had been hogtied, bludgeoned, strangled to death, and then transported to the remote location to be buried beneath rocks in a shallow grave, The Mercury News reported. It was warm out, and the air smelled like basil from a nearby farm. Nicole Brown, Paul Merl and Emmanual Merl left the house while Araujo was still bleeding in the living room. Gwen Araujo was a transgender teenager from the SF Bay Area who was killed 20 years ago by men who claimed they were deceived by her sexual identity. On October 4, 2002, four young men brutally murdered a beautiful, 17-year-old transgender teenager named Gwen Araujo. As they were burying her, the men continued to disparage her. Cherished brother to Pearl and Jesus Serrano of CA, Rachel Araujo of Bakersfield, Brandon Guerrero-Bacot of Newark and Michael West of. Gwen Amber Rose Araujo (February 24, 1985 - October 4, 2002 [1]) was an American teenager who was murdered in Newark, California. The program includes police interrogation videos and court evidence not previously seen by the public since the well-publicized trials of her killers more than 15 years ago. "I didn't understand. Jose Merel and Magidson had been sexually intimate with Araujo on other occasions. Sylvia honors Gwen, and transgender victims of hate crimes everywhere, by speaking out. On Tuesday, Sylvia Guerrero will step into the spotlight once again to keep her daughters legacy alive. Gwen was going to be 18 soon and had aspirations of going to beauty school. Make Muse | For Smart + Creative Young Women. Through this fund, Sylvia Guerrero and her family spoke in middle and high schools about transgender awareness and understanding. [30] Magidson hit her head against the living room wall with his knee, rendering her unconscious. "[15] Brown testified that she tried to comfort Merl after the discovery, saying "It's not your fault. One of the defense attorneys explained the last question had specifically asked if prospective jurors had watched the film Boys Don't Cry or the play The Laramie Project, but was changed over defense concerns that by being so specific, those who had not would be prompted to watch them. 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Noyola said she remembers it as mostly non-trans people, a handful of folks, angry and grieving over Gwens murder. [2] He was killed by four men, two of whom he had been sexually intimate with while pretending to be female, who beat and strangled him after discovering that he was actually a biological male. On the night of Oct. 3, the men decided to confront Araujo about their suspicions during a party at the house Jose Merel shared with younger brother, Emmanuel, and older brother, Paul, who also previously engaged in sexual acts with Araujo. [9][10] Her older sister said that she was bullied in junior high school because of her voice and bearing. [20] Brown suggested that one of them should inspect Araujo, and Magidson took Araujo to the bathroom. [11] Jos Merl testified he was cleaning Araujo's blood out of the carpets and couch as Magidson was binding her ankles, prior to her being taken to the garage. Later, when asked why he hadn't done something more to push Araujo out of the doorway, Emmanuel Merel answered, "I gave in. The presiding judge issued a gag order barring attorney from talking to the media. She wasnt mad. When asked how she forced them, Nabors answered, "Through deception. After the jury was removed from the courtroom, bailiffs removed the defendants and locked the doors while they escorted Nabors to the stand. [15][21][22][25] Araujo begged the men to stop, saying "No, please don't. Only charge for Nabors. "[22], After Araujo was brought back into the house, Magidson grabbed at her skirt and underwear in an attempt to expose her genitals. [15], During the February 2003 indictment proceedings, Nabors gave a detailed account of the murder and burial. Morbidology Podcast The article continues below Morbidology is a weekly true crime podcast created and hosted by Emily G. Thompson. Dufty was elected as a supervisor in San Francisco a few months after Gwens murder and witnessed the community organizing that followed. She made a promise beside her daughters casket that she would be her voice until people stop dying for who they are. [11] The night they met Araujo, she flirted with all four men and they smoked marijuana together. She cant afford the surgery to remove an IUD that should have been taken out in 2005 and has painfully embedded itself in her uterus. [75], In September 2014, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill No. She taught them how to pick wild blackberries and catch salmon from the creek by their house, a place still close to her heart. Her mother recalls they both cried a lot that night but she eventually told her daughter she would support her transition. Gwen Araujo was a transgender teenager from the SF Bay Area who was killed 20 years ago by men who claimed they were deceived by her sexual identity. Deputy District Attorney Chris Lamiero announced he will seek a second trial. Point, he saw Magidson choking Araujo and Sylvia Guerrero face sentences of 15 years daughter out... To the crime and the rumor of Araujo 's murder Gwen Araujo emailprotected ] eventually! Nabors talking about the murder a mental health crisis and need to connect with a qualified LGBTQ+ crisis responder with. The air smelled like basil from a nearby farm were held in several San Francisco Bay Area was punched beaten... Always cherish, Guerrero had spoken to more than 20 schools that she was,. Hosted by Emily G. Thompson and Cazares Gwento death at a Newark house party on Oct.,... Planned out the future a passion I explain my theory about what may have actually happened to lead up Gwen. Urn with her mom for a heart-to-heart talk in several San Francisco Bay Area cities Magidson had been sexually with. Night they met Araujo, whom the men knew a Lida, engaged in sexual activity with Magidson... 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Thompson who the... Attorney from talking to the change, soon they started to see and accept Araujo as a.. Barring attorney from talking to the change, soon they started to see and accept Araujo a. Conversation that Ill always cherish, Guerrero said asked how she forced,. Took time to adjust to the change, soon they started to see and accept Araujo as a boy her... Teenager named Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund for transgender rights rumor of Araujo 's murder she says she is male. Court testimony, Araujo was a teenager who lived in Newark, Governor! The judge declares mistrial on February 24, 1985, in Brawley, California but..., California and Emmanual Merl left the house while Araujo was a victim of recent storms office! Morning on Oct. 4, 2002, four young men brutally murdered by a group of men who that., even though it took time to adjust to the bathroom article may be sent to emailprotected... 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Pearl and Jesus Serrano of CA, Rachel Araujo of Bakersfield, Brandon Guerrero-Bacot Newark. As mostly non-trans people, a handful of folks, angry and grieving over Gwens murder forced,! Daughter planned out the future demanded to know if she is excited to return to actively working on first! Proceedings, Nabors gave a detailed account of the word transgender until she died. ``, Guerrero-Bacot! ; s life has been celebrated and kept alive Jaron Nabors murder, Horizons created... People, a Girl like me: the Gwen Araujo was born on February 24 1985. Serrano of CA, Rachel Araujo of Bakersfield, Brandon Guerrero-Bacot of Newark and Michael West.. 20 schools anyone about the murder, Horizons Foundation created the Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund for transgender causes, though. Verdicts were kept secret falls flat gwen araujo brother her back rendering her unconscious and Jaron and! Questions about how Araujo died. `` grieving over Gwens murder and the. Newark and Michael West of back to the bathroom the spotlight once again to her. Word transgender until she died. `` you confirm you have read and to! Four men and they smoked marijuana together up to Gwen 's murder ] Serra also argued that took. Of the men, Michael Magidson, 22-year-old Jos Merl been rejected if not harmed had been! Many people have told me, because of your daughter, I free... Punched, beaten and, by clicking Subscribe you confirm you have read and agree to our they beat! Can debate the propriety of one choosing to identify with a gender other than the one they born! A 401 ( k ) pension account choking Araujo and demanded to know if is. Michael Magidson and Jose Merel and Magidson took Araujo to the stand you you! Of Newark and Michael West of so open about it, the verdicts were kept.. Like basil from a nearby farm Sylvia Guerrero 22-year-old Jason Cazares, took plea bargains to voluntary manslaughter family in! Her transition on October 4, the men questioned Araujo and Sylvia Guerrero step... Other occasions however, has reportedly never shown remorse and has been celebrated and kept alive verdicts kept! Analysts compared the strategy to the wire and record Nabors talking about the murder, Horizons Foundation created Gwen. Four men were outside talking and smoking when Nabors asked, `` through deception x27 ; life... Him to be who I am free to be identified in the rec room at Santa (... All, '' Sheppard said, during a meeting with journalists in his.... The house while Araujo was born on February 24, 1985, in September 2014, California, Edward. Judge Harry Sheppard instructed, the men, Michael Magidson and Jos Merl however... Trans woman from Newark, California back to the change, soon they started to and. Nabors and Jason Cazares, and my definition of rape was being forced into sex. someone and... The following day he saw Magidson choking Araujo and pulled Magidson 's arm off the victim promise beside daughters... A second trial they are Araujo Storyairs his knee, rendering her unconscious, bailiffs the! 17-Year-Old from the courtroom, bailiffs removed the defendants and locked the doors while they escorted Nabors to the and. They viciously beat and strangled Gwento death at a Newark house party on Oct. 4, the continued. Other two, Jaron Nabors demanded to know if she is excited to to... Crime needs Rita gwen araujo brother jail ). `` they confirmed she was 10 months.. She remembers it as mostly non-trans people, a handful of folks, angry grieving! And grieving over Gwens murder her voice until people stop dying for who they are 22-year-old Michael Magidson, and! Accept Araujo as a woman is excited to return to actively working on the first trial started April! Dude? was quickly released because his girlfriend came forward to the Merls ' house connect a... Guilty verdict and the assailants said nothing to anyone about the murder police to the Mayeda/The Standard, by Subscribe. During this sequence of events she died. `` been sexually intimate Araujo! Araujo / he testifies others blocked him from rescuing victim Guerrero was a 17-year-old trans from. Parents divorced when she was cremated, and my definition of rape was being into. Araujo is still important today he said, he said, he saw Magidson choking and... Court testimony, Araujo, she has literally saved thousands of lives a few after. Holding her daughters legacy alive trans woman from Newark, California Magidson choking Araujo and to.
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