In a landmark federal trial in Columbia, South Carolina, Daqua Lameek Ritter was convicted of a hate crime for the murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman, back in 2019. Ritter's guilt was determined by jurors after approximately four hours of deliberation. Along with the hate crime charge, he was found guilty of using a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting and obstructing justice. Ritter, who faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without parole, is awaiting a scheduled sentencing date.

Brook Andrews, an assistant U.S. attorney for the District of South Carolina, emphasized the significance of this case in combating violence targeted against individuals based on gender identity or other protected characteristics. Federal officials have previously prosecuted hate crimes rooted in gender identity but without going to trial.

Evidence presented during the four-day trial shed light on the secret relationship between Doe and Ritter and how he grew increasingly agitated as their affair became known in the small town of Allendale. Prosecutors argued that Ritter shot Doe multiple times to prevent further disclosure of their romance. Despite defense claims of lack of physical evidence linking Ritter to the crime, witness testimonies and text messages obtained by the FBI painted a different picture.

In the aftermath of Doe's death, Ritter's behavior reportedly became suspicious, with witness testimonies pointing to unsettling encounters and conversations. The trial's outcome signifies a landmark ruling in addressing hate crimes motivated by gender identity, underpinning the ongoing efforts to combat targeted violence against marginalized communities.