A Brooklyn-based man, Daqua Lameek Ritter, 26, is currently on trial for the murder of Pebbles LaDime Doe, a transgender woman, in a small South Carolina town in 2019. Prosecutors allege that Ritter killed Doe to silence her from revealing their affair after his girlfriend discovered their relationship. Rumors of their affair had spread among the 8,000 residents of Allendale, reaching Ritter's girlfriend, Delasia Green.

The prosecution claims that Ritter, enraged after learning that Doe had shared details of their relationship, lured her into a car ride and shot her three times. Doe's body was later found in the car parked near Ritter's uncle's house. Witnesses described Ritter as acting strangely following the murder, including allegedly asking someone to dispose of a gun.

During the trial, it was revealed that Ritter had denied the relationship when confronted by his girlfriend, only to be exposed by messages found on his phone. Witnesses testified to Ritter's concerning behavior and statements made after the murder, with one claiming he confessed to the crime. Ritter faces charges of a hate crime based on gender identity, using a firearm in connection with the hate crime, and obstructing justice.

Ritter's defense team argues that there is no physical evidence linking him to the murder and that any lies he told were out of fear and to avoid further local gossip about the relationship. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty, but Ritter could face multiple life sentences if convicted. The trial continues as the jury deliberates on the evidence presented.