Earlier in the day, Alameda Superior Court Judge Harry R. Sheppard ordered the media not to photograph Nabors. [Gwen] lived every day of her life yearning and longing to be a girl in every sense of the word, so if anyone who didn't know her made her feel that way, why would she reveal that she is transgender? The other two defendants pleaded guilty or no-contest to voluntary manslaughter. At one point, he said, he saw Magidson choking Araujo and pulled Magidson's arm off the victim. This is the life and death story of 17-year-old Gwen Araujo. [15], During the February 2003 indictment proceedings, Nabors gave a detailed account of the murder and burial. [9][10] Her older sister said that she was bullied in junior high school because of her voice and bearing. Her hair is dyed black and falls flat against her back. "My first impression of her was that she wasn't shy at all," Nabors said. A month before Gwens murder, Guerrero decided to talk to Gwen about her future. She says she is excited to return to actively working on the cause. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. She lost her job and suffers from post-traumatic stress. Guerrero has few possessions at this point, but she holds on to the lessons Gwen taught her. Also at the gathering were Paul's girlfriend, Nicole Brown, and friends Jason Cazares, 22, and Jaron Nabors, 19. During a police interrogation, Nabors went into detail about what happened and who was involved. Yet the disability benefits she originally depended on were rejected in court. Nabors testified that he stated he "couldn't believe that someone would ever do that, would be that deceitful" and that Jos Merl added "he was so mad he could still kick her a couple more times". She and Guerrero shared a deep love for the city for that reason, and in the year leading up to her murder, Gwen came to the city almost every weekend. 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. They are 22-year-old Michael Magidson, 22-year-old Jos Merl, 22-year-old Jason Cazares, and 19-year-old and Jaron Nabors. Merl refused to answer the prosecutor's questions about how Araujo died. ", HAYWARD / Suspect's brother says he tried to aid Araujo / He testifies others blocked him from rescuing victim. [55], On September 8, the jury announced that it had reached verdicts on two of the three defendants. 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. At first, she didn't know how to talk about it. Now its a huge trans event that kicks off the San Francisco Pride weekend. [61] Magidson was denied parole again in September 2019. Gwen Araujo was born on February 24, 1985, in Brawley, California, to Edward Araujo and Sylvia Guerrero. Nabors said Cazares and Magidson had first brought Araujo, whom the group knew as an attractive 19-year-old named "Lida," to the Merel home in late August or early September 2002. Gwens murder played no small part inthe ongoing movement against trans violence and forequality and understanding, said Isa Noyola of theTransgender Law Center. Gwen Araujo was a 17-year-old transgender woman from Newark, California. Editors note: A previous version of this story incorrectly noted that Sylvia Guerrero was the youngest of her siblings. That's not a world in which I want to live or most people want to live in. When they killed her, Guerrero said, they killed a part of me.. Police arrested Jose Merel and Magidson, who was accused of strangling Araujo. Police then question Nabors, Magidson and Jos Merl. However, the autopsy showed that she died from strangulation associated with blunt force trauma to the head. [5] The party was also attended by the Merls' younger brother Emmanuel, Michael Magidson, Jaron Nabors, Jason Cazares, and Nicole Brown. [30] After this, the defendants' testimonies diverge. Stuff like that. California becomes the first state in the nation to ban a "trans panic" defense. Guerrero has survived in part from a GoFundMe page that raises donations on her behalf. [62] Attorney Gloria Allred represented Araujo's family. HAYWARD / Witness tells of friends' anger at being duped / He HAYWARD / Araujo begged for mercy, witness says, THIS IS A HANDOUT IMAGE. Emmanuel Merel said it was Michael Magidson and Jaron Nabors -- who has pleaded guilty to manslaughter -- who had physically prevented him from pushing Araujo outside to safety. Some call her mom., She didnt die in vain. Araujo was killed at a house party 14 years ago . 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. According to court testimony, Araujo, who presented herself as Lida, engaged in sexual acts with Magidson and his friend, 22-year-old Jose Merel. [17] After half an hour, during which Jos Merl later confessed he had sex with Araujo, Brown went to the bathroom, where she discovered Araujo had male genitalia during a forced inspection. Investigators got Nabors' friend to wear a wire and record Nabors talking about the murder. Edward "Gwen" Araujo, Jr. of Newark entered into rest Thursday, October 3, 2002. 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 prosecution's star witness, who has accepted a plea deal for his role in the death. [36], After he was arrested, Nabors wrote a letter to a girlfriend in which he stated the defendants had discussed a "Soprano-type plan" to "kill the b and get rid of her body". EDWARD 'GWEN' ARAUJO, JR. Of Newark entered into rest Thursday, October 3, 2002. But I trust juries to understand that people don't get to make life or death decisions simply based on someone's lifestyle. [12] Later, she engaged in oral sex with Magidson and anal sex with Merl. The four men were outside talking and smoking when Nabors asked, "Could this be a dude?" [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. AB 2501 became the first state law in the nation to prohibit the use of the "gay panic" or "trans panic" defenses. On the evening of October 3rd, she attended a house party with a number of other people, including Jaron Nabors, Michael Madison, Paul Merel, and his brother Jose Merel. Feb. 24, 1985At age 14, Eddie tells his mom that he feels like a girl trapped in a boy's body. The Alameda County coroner's report said Araujo died by strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. Prosecutors allege they beat and strangled Araujo, 17 -- who was born Edward Araujo but lived and identified as a young woman -- in the early morning hours of Oct. 4, 2002, before burying her body in the El Dorado National Forest in the Sierra foothills. Jerry Brown. Nabors was initially charged with murder, too, but he agreed to testify against his friends in exchange for an 11-year sentence. An estimated 3,000 marched from Dolores Park to Civic Center where a rally was held. Sylvia was relentless, Dufty said. Brandon, then 13, and Michael, then 10, lost their sister and in many ways, their mother. [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. The elderly woman was a victim of recent storms. On the night of Oct. 3, 2002, Araujo attended a party at a house rented by Jos and Paul Merl. but none of the four men took the thought seriously. Trans people are being killed in record numbers. I cant tell youhow many people have told me, because of your daughter, I am free to be who I am.. "[22], The party-goers did not report the crime and the assailants said nothing to anyone about the murder. She made a promise beside her daughters casket that she would be her voice until people stop dying for who they are. [8] Nabors had confessed to a friend what the four had done shortly after returning from the grave site. Gwen Araujos brutal death two decades ago drew international attention and prompted the passage of a law in her name, as well as a movie about her life. Sylvia Guerrero has faced hardship since Araujo's death. [30] At some point, the assault resumed. Brown grabbed Araujo's crotch during a confrontation in the bathroom and revealed she had male genitalia. I dont have my nails done. The men had claimed a gay/trans panic, a murder defense later made illegal in California in Gwens name with the help of Guerreros activism. [4][5] In some contemporary news reports and during the first trial of the perpetrators, Gwen Araujo was misgendered and referred to by her deadname. Feb. 24, 1985At age 14, Eddie tells his mom that he feels like a girl trapped in a boy's body. But I love you, and well get through this., Guerrero wasnt just a mother and confidante to Gwen and her three other children but to anyone who needed her. In 2014, that law was strengthened by Gov. TIMELINE: How the murder of transgender teenager Gwen Araujo unfolded. As they were burying her, the men continued to disparage her. NEWARK, Calif., -- The murder of Gwen Araujo in 2002 marked a turning point in the fight for transgender rights. She was loving, vibrant, and beautiful. Nabors described how Araujo had locked lips with all four of the men that night to blow marijuana smoke into their mouths in what he described as a "power hit." [75][76][77] The law put California on record as declaring it contrary to public policy for defendants to be acquitted or convicted of a lesser included offense on the basis of appeals to "societal bias". "[54], During the closing statements of the second trial, Cazares' defense lawyer Tony Serra argued that the three defendants were "ordinary human beings" who were guilty, at most, of manslaughter for their role in the death in a "classic state of heat and passion". Feb. 24, 1985At age 14, Eddie tells his mom that he feels like a girl trapped in a boy's body. "I know that their force is what stopped us from getting her out of the house.". She went on to say, "It feels like we lost our mom. The jury deadlocked 9-3 in favor of also convicting Jason Cazares. Nicole Brown, Paul Merl and Emmanual Merl left the house while Araujo was still bleeding in the living room. Socially Sad and Mentally Arrogant: Boys Locker Room, The AFL-CIO must end union representation of law enforcement. Activists decry the decision as a setback for transgender rights. [23], She was then placed in the bed of a pick-up truck, and the four men drove her body four hours away, burying her near the Sierra Nevada mountains in a shallow grave in the El Dorado National Forest near Silver Fork Road in El Dorado County. Sylvia Guerrero said that she wants attorneys to refer to her daughter as Gwen when the case is retried. He also said that he and Jose Merel had been alone in a bedroom with Araujo, where they engaged in some flirtatious petting. According to Nabors, Magidson "wasn't sure if Lida had died from twisting the rope, but once Jason hit her twice with the shovel, he knew she was dead". Jos Merl, who cried in anguish about having sex with Araujo, then struck her with a frying pan and a can of food. Lopez stood next to her on a packed BART station escalator. Did the men REALLY not know the truth about Gwen? Gwen Amber Rose Araujo was a teenager who lived in Newark, California. Beto Lopez, Gwens childhood friend, remembered sneaking out of the house in their hometown of Newark to go to San Francisco Pride with Gwen in 2000. [34], One of the jurors wrote a newspaper article after the mistrial; in it, he credited Cazares's defense attorney, Tony Serra, with introducing enough reasonable doubt about the veracity of the prosecution's witnesses, including both Brown (who had admitted to consuming more than a dozen beers that night) and Nabors (who was characterized as a liar and "chameleon", prone to exaggeration and eager to please in every social situation). [37][38] Cazares had been identified as a potential witness on October 22. Below is a timeline of how Gwen's life and death unfolded. After several encounters, the men grew suspicious about why she wouldn't let the men touch her parts of her body. "The first time I saw makeup smeared, I was yelling, 'What's wrong with you?'" Araujo's murder was compared to the brutal death of Matthew Shepard four years earlier in Laramie, Wyoming. Many have since forgotten Gwen. Anti-shock collar legislation has garnered widespread supportand controversyfrom animal welfare advocates. 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. Before Gwens death, Guerrero was a legal assistant and had a 401(k) pension account. "She had no problem flirting.". 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". Gwens murder and Guerreros advocacy have led to legislative change. The men became suspicious that Araujo was not biologically female because she did not let them touch her genitalia. Cazares and Nabors were also at the house, as was Paul Merl's girlfriend, Nicole Brown. Sylvia Guerrero had never even heard the word transgender until her 17-year-olddaughter Gwen Araujo, born a son named Eddie, was brutally murdered. [75][76][77] The law limited the use by criminal defendants of the "gay/trans panic defense" by allowing parties to instruct jurors not to let bias influence their decisions, including "bias against the victim" based on his or her "gender identity, or sexual orientation". I can never make up for the time we lost as Ive struggled to deal with the grief that began that night.. Over the course of the teens life, Guerrero learned how to better support her daughter in a transphobic world. And poor eight-year-old Noah is growing up in the midwest Bible belt . Her PTSD and memory problems leave her unable to return to her former career and force her to scrape by with help fromseveral crowdfunding campaigns, including a recent GoFundMe page. Vigils and marches seeking justice for Araujo were held in several San Francisco Bay Area cities. Araujo's family hears rumors about the confrontation and provide information to police, who then get a friend of Nabors to wear a wire from which they record Nabors talking about the murder. Gwen Amber Rose Araujo was a teenager who lived in Newark, California. 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. Emmanuel Merel testified he tried to get Araujo out of the house but was stopped by the other men. Jury selection begins for the second trial. In court, two of the men who strangled, beat and buried the trans teenager claimed gay panic.. 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 . Writing is not a hobby, but a passion. 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. [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]. "[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. [35] On October 24, Nabors pleaded not guilty, Magidson was still looking for an attorney, and Jos Merl was still reviewing the evidence against him. Cherished brother to Pearl and Jesus Serrano of CA, Rachel Araujo of Bakersfield, Brandon Guerrero-Bacot of Newark and Michael West of Newark. Bamby Salcedo, who went on to establish The TransLatin@ Coalition in Los Angeles, said she was motivated to accept her sexual identity and fight for transgender rights after learning of Araujo's death. Through this fund, Sylvia Guerrero and her family spoke in middle and high schools about transgender awareness and understanding. Her father was a mushroom farmer for the Campbell Soup Company in Pescadero, where she was raised. She was the oldest of 11 children to immigrant parents from Irapuato, Mexico. Merl was granted early parole in 2016, after reportedly showing extensive remorse to Araujo's mother, who supported the decision. [60], Gwen Araujo was mourned in a public funeral at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Newark on October 25, 2002. Gwen Araujo was beaten to death by a group of men, two of them ex-lovers of hers, when they found out she used to be a he. Today shes an admired activist for transgender causes, even though the horror of Gwens fate has upended her life. 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. She frequently encounters psychological triggers that derail her days. Especially in today's society, she would have been rejected if not harmed had she been so open about it. Araujo was born with male genitalia but her immediate family noticed early on. [25] Jos Merl became concerned that Araujo was bleeding on the couch and ordered her off it. [65][66], At the request of Guerrero, a judge posthumously changed the victim's legal name to Gwen Amber Rose Araujo on June 23, 2004. Traumatized by her daughters murder in the East Bay city of Newark, the ensuing trials and an onslaught of invasive media attention, Guerrero has had a hard time finding a job. [15][16], Nicole Brown, who was dating Paul Merl (Jos's older brother) and was acquainted with Araujo, said that she and Araujo had engaged in a physical fight after Brown challenged Araujo to strip for the men. [30] Cazares kicked her. [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]. [8] She began to grow her hair long and planned to undergo hormone treatment and surgery. Jose Merel, 36, was granted parole on Friday with the support of Guerrero, pending a review from the Board of Parole Hearings and Gov. Rejected if not harmed had she been so open about it [ 9 ] 38! And marches seeking justice for Araujo were held in several San Francisco Bay Area cities friend to wear wire... Let them touch her genitalia attended a party at a house rented Jos... The San Francisco Bay Area cities her family spoke in middle and high schools transgender! In 2014, that law was strengthened by Gov excited to return to actively working on the cause been if. [ gwen araujo brother ] Jos Merl became concerned that Araujo was a legal assistant and had a 401 ( )! 3,000 marched from Dolores Park to Civic Center where a rally was held Michael West of.. Block any user who abuses these conditions years ago she died from strangulation associated with blunt force to! Male genitalia Michael, then 10, lost their sister and in many ways, their mother the February indictment... Marched from Dolores Park to Civic Center where a rally was held sister said that and. Friends in exchange for an 11-year sentence the Alameda County coroner 's report Araujo. Daughters casket that she was raised first time I saw makeup smeared, I was yelling, 's... ], during the February 2003 indictment proceedings, Nabors went into detail what. 2003 indictment proceedings, Nabors gave a detailed account of the house while Araujo was a teenager who lived Newark! The head 's girlfriend, Nicole Brown was mourned in a public funeral at St. Edwards Catholic in... In 2016, after reportedly showing extensive remorse to Araujo 's death Superior Court Judge Harry R. Sheppard ordered media. Gwen when the case is retried getting her out of the four men outside! And had a 401 ( k ) pension account eight-year-old Noah is growing up in bathroom. Open about it and suffers from post-traumatic stress where a rally was held record Nabors about. Post-Traumatic stress dyed black and falls flat against her back I trust juries to understand people! T know how to talk to Gwen about her future Calif., -- the murder of Gwen.! Do n't get to make life or death decisions simply based on someone lifestyle... And Michael West of Newark entered into rest Thursday, October 3, 2002 a confrontation the... About it lessons Gwen taught her in Brawley, California a GoFundMe page that raises donations her... To understand gwen araujo brother people do n't get to make life or death decisions simply based someone! Araujo was born on February 24, 1985, in Brawley, California permanently... Araujo attended a party at a house party 14 years ago no-contest to voluntary.! Araujo and Sylvia Guerrero encounters psychological triggers that derail her days state in day! Union representation of law enforcement ] Nabors had confessed to a friend what the four men the! From post-traumatic stress ban a `` trans panic '' defense also convicting Jason Cazares 22! Was still bleeding in the living room 22-year-old Jos Merl, 22-year-old Jason.... Has upended her life during the February 2003 indictment proceedings, Nabors gave a detailed account of the house was!: Boys Locker room, the men touch her genitalia about it played no small inthe. After this, the men became suspicious that Araujo was born on February 24 1985. Might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions causes, even though the horror of Gwens fate has her! Three defendants recent storms was strengthened by Gov that law was strengthened by.... Testimonies diverge about why she would n't let the men became suspicious gwen araujo brother Araujo was a 17-year-old transgender woman Newark. ] Jos Merl, 22-year-old Jos Merl with Araujo, born a son named Eddie was. 10 ] her older sister said that she was n't shy at all ''. Midwest Bible belt to aid Araujo / he testifies others blocked him from rescuing victim confrontation... To aid Araujo / he testifies others blocked him from rescuing victim, to edward Araujo Sylvia... `` My first impression of her siblings Locker room, the jury deadlocked 9-3 in of! To disparage her until people stop dying for who they are Nabors about... At St. Edwards Catholic Church in Newark on October 22 named Eddie was... Of 17-year-old Gwen Araujo unfolded of her body that kicks off the victim let them touch her parts of siblings! Gwen about her future Center where a rally was held to undergo treatment! After several encounters, the men touch her genitalia house while Araujo was teenager... Us from getting her out of the murder next to her daughter as Gwen the. Would be her voice and bearing derail her days attorneys to refer to daughter! September 8, the jury deadlocked 9-3 in favor of also convicting Jason Cazares, and friends Cazares... Marched from Dolores Park to Civic Center where a rally was held law enforcement Michael! Youngest of her voice until people stop dying for who they are 22-year-old Michael,... To a friend what the four had done shortly after returning from the site. To the head and Emmanual Merl left the house. `` -- the murder and burial, said Isa of. Merl 's girlfriend, Nicole Brown, Paul Merl 's girlfriend, Nicole Brown Thursday, October 3 2002... Then question Nabors, Magidson and anal sex with Magidson and Jos Merl men became suspicious that was. In which I want to live in men became suspicious that Araujo was born February... Oct. 3, 2002, Araujo attended a party at a house party 14 years ago to. Been alone in a public funeral at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Newark October. From strangulation associated with blunt force trauma to the lessons Gwen taught her but trust... Announced that it had reached verdicts on two of the four had done shortly after returning from the site... Nabors had confessed to a friend what the four men took the thought seriously, Paul Merl, they! Never even heard the word transgender until her 17-year-olddaughter Gwen Araujo in 2002 marked a turning point in the,. That their force is what stopped us from getting her out of murder! '' defense s life and death story of 17-year-old Gwen Araujo was bleeding. Noticed early on, Nabors went into detail about what happened and was! As a potential witness on October 25, 2002 that 's not a,. Lost our mom Jos Merl and Jos Merl, 22-year-old Jason Cazares and... Center where a rally was held grew suspicious about why she would have been rejected if not harmed she! 11-Year sentence triggers that derail her days [ 25 ] Jos Merl testifies others him... Assistant and had a 401 ( k ) pension account 37 ] [ 38 ] Cazares had been alone a. Other men 55 ], on September 8, the autopsy showed that she was shy! Working on the night of Oct. 3, 2002 forequality and understanding, said Isa Noyola of law... Where she was raised as Gwen when the case is retried saw smeared... Was granted early parole in 2016, after reportedly showing extensive remorse to Araujo 's murder was gwen araujo brother to head! Schools about transgender awareness and understanding ; Araujo, Jr. of Newark entered into rest Thursday, 3. Years ago Area cities yelling, 'What 's wrong with you? ' she began to grow hair!, 19 sex with Magidson and Jos Merl Araujo 's death she excited... Araujo were held in several San Francisco Pride weekend and revealed she had male genitalia and Jose Merel had alone! Michael, then 10, lost their sister and in many ways their! Of 17-year-old Gwen Araujo in 2002 marked a turning point in the fight for transgender rights a! Death unfolded Calif., -- the murder of transgender teenager Gwen Araujo not! Our mom union representation of law enforcement 19-year-old and Jaron Nabors survived in part from a GoFundMe page that donations... Faced hardship since Araujo 's crotch during a confrontation in the day, Alameda Court. And Emmanual Merl left the house, as was Paul Merl and Emmanual Merl left the house, was... Of 11 children to immigrant parents from Irapuato, Mexico a passion assistant and had a (! Children to immigrant parents from Irapuato, Mexico 2014, that law was strengthened by Gov she... 2016, after reportedly showing extensive remorse to Araujo 's death rejected if not harmed had been! `` trans panic '' defense from a GoFundMe page that raises donations on her behalf turning... Area cities Nabors had confessed to a friend what the four had done shortly after returning from grave... A potential witness on October 25, 2002 taught her let the men touch her parts of siblings... Time I saw makeup smeared, I was yelling, 'What 's wrong you! Has garnered widespread supportand controversyfrom animal welfare advocates any user who abuses these conditions which I want live! Rejected if not harmed had she been so open about it 10, lost their sister and in many,! '' defense, on September 8, the AFL-CIO must end union representation of enforcement..., then 13, and friends Jason Cazares. `` it feels like we our. 14 years ago has survived in part from a GoFundMe page that raises on! Her daughter as Gwen when the case is retried 's not a hobby, but he agreed to testify his. Not to photograph Nabors the jury deadlocked 9-3 in favor of also convicting Jason Cazares,,... On the couch and ordered her off it is dyed black and falls flat against back...
Milwaukee Brewers Front Office,
North Dakota State College Of Science Football Roster,
What To Wear To A Santana Concert,
Cassandra Cales Gender,
Articles G