NCAVP mourns the hate violence-related homicides of Danielle M. Smith and Teresa A. Jackson in Camden County, Missouri

September 7, 2016 - The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the double homicide of Danielle M. Smith, 27, and her mother, Teresa A. Jackson, 61, on Saturday, August 29th, 2016. A neighbor, Steven Ray Endsley, 54, has been arrested in connection with the murders. According to media reports, there was an ongoing dispute between Endsley and Danielle Smith, who was an out lesbian, over her sexual orientation. The homicides are being investigated as a possible hate crime. The family has set up a Go Fund Me page to help lay their loved ones to rest.

"Our community has endured a heartbreaking loss, and we send our deepest condolences to those who love Danielle and Teresa," said Justin Shaw, Executive Director at the Kansas City Anti-Violence Project. "Hate violence is an all too frequent part of our daily lives as LGBTQ people. We experience it from our neighbors, at work, and in our homes. We want our local LGBTQ communities to know that if you need help, you can call 816-561-0550 day or night for support."

According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs' (NCAVP) most recent report, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Hate Violence in 2015, there were 24 reported hate violence homicides of LGBTQ people, a 20% increase from the 20 reported anti-LGBTQ homicides in 2014. NCAVP's report also found that the majority of survivors reporting hate violence to NCAVP member programs experienced violence by someone who was known to them, with the most common relationships being landlords, neighbors, employers, and family members. Of the 1,024 survivors who reported information about their relationship to the offenders, 62% of survivors knew the person who committed the hate violence against them.

"We are deeply saddened by the homicides of Danielle M. Smith and Teresa A. Jackson," said Shelby Chestnut, Director of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. "We have a collective perception of hate violence as something that happens randomly, and is perpetrated by strangers in public spaces, but that's not the whole story. Hate violence for LGBTQ people is often a day-to-day reality, perpetrated by people we know - like our neighbors - and in places where we spend most of our time, like our homes, schools and workplaces."

NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an anti-violence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.

If you are a member of the media, please contact:
Sue Yacka, New York City Anti-Violence Project: syacka@avp.org or 212-714-1184

NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.