Man, 70, Stoned to Death for Homosexuality
Police made an arrest in a suspected hate crime in suburban Philadelphia. The murder is a suspected "gay bashing," as John Joe Thomas, 28 allegedly confessed to police that he killed his friend Murray Seidman, 70.
Thomas allegedly stated that Seidman came onto him sexually and that he had an obligation under the Old Testament of the bible to stone Seidman to death for homosexuality. "I stoned Murray with a rock in a sock," Thomas reportedly said, the Philidelphia Inqurier reports.
Police arrived on the scene after Thomas called them. When they arrived, they found Thomas sitting down in the hallway crying. Thomas allegedly said "I'm not going down there again, there is too much blood."
When police entered Seidman's apartment, they found him face down. Thomas allegedly told police that after killing Murray Seidman, he threw his bloody clothes in a dumpster and took off. However, he returned a few days later to make it appear that he had just uncovered the body.
I'm guessing his defense attorney will recommend an alternative defense than the Old Testament. Interestingly, John Joe Thomas had power of attorney of Seidman's affairs, ABC WPIV-TV reports. Thomas is also the executor and sole beneficiary of Seidman's will, the Associated Press reports. Power of attorney is a document that allows you to appoint a person or organization to manage your affairs while you're unavailable or unable to do so.
Police did not offer an explanation for what happened to John Joe Thomas's plan, as he apparently abandoned it sometime after calling police. It is not known whether Thomas has an attorney at this time.
Related Resources:
- Police: Pa. man, 70, stoned to death by friend who said victim made unwanted sexual advances (AP)
- Facebook Feud: Murder Charge for Torrie Emery (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Capital Punishment and the Death Penalty (FindLaw)