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LEXIE CANNES STATE OF TRANS — For likely the 7th time since TDOR 2015, a murderer of trans people has been sent to prison. The latest: Josh Vallum was sentenced by a judge in George County Circuit Court, Mississippi, to life in prison for the 2015 murder of Mercedes Williamson who lived in Theodore, Alabama.

Williamson was hammered to death and buried on property owned by Vallum’s relatives in George County, likely in late May, 2015. Williamson’s body was found June 2nd. Vallum was later arrested and has been held in jail since July 2015. Williamson knew Vallum prior to being killed and they may have dated.

Vallum’s trial was scheduled for next week and there was talk of a “panic defense” as well as arguing street gang pressure. Vallum also claimed to have “blacked out,” but ultimately, he decided to plead guilty and avoid a trial.

According to the Sun-Herald, Vallum may face federal charges. The U.S. Department of Justice is considering hate crime charges. They are investigating and federal agents were in the court room. Vallum is currently being held in an undisclosed location until the investigation is complete.

I wrote about Williamson‘s murder last year: https://lexiecannes.com/2015/06/26/suspect-charged-in-alabama-trans-murder-cops-arrested-following-brazil-trans-death/

Last month I wrote about another trans murder conviction:

https://lexiecannes.com/2016/06/19/justice-for-philadelphia-trans-woman-stabbed-to-death-in-2015/

Further details on Vallum’s sentencing: http://www.sunherald.com/news/local/crime/article89109952.html#storylink=cpyh-40534449

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Categories: Deaths, Murder, Judicial, Courts, Transgender, Transsexual, Trans