Thursday, August 26, 2010
Crime Gay bar owner shot dead, questions abound
Posted by Gwynedd Stuart @gwynnstu on Thu, Aug 26, 2010 at 5:46 PM
- queerty.com
- Durand Robinson
Police are releasing few details about the apparent homicide. According to an APD incident report, officers were dispatched to the 1700 block of Hadlock Street at about 1:30 a.m. in response to a reported shooting, and found Robinson's lifeless body lying in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors in the surrounding area told police they heard an argument taking place — presumably involving Robinson — then heard gunshots and a car speed away.
Police are investigating the possibility that Robinson was targeted because of his perceived sexuality, and whether or not the incident should be classified as a bias crime as such. Toliver clarifies that although Robinson was active in the gay community, he was not homosexual. Public Affairs Manager Carlos Campos released the following statement:
“The Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating all possibilities concerning the shooting death of Durand Robinson in the early morning hours of August 25th. It has reached no conclusions or made any determinations on whether this case will be classified as a ‘bias crime.’ Homicide presently has no suspects or significant information on a motive, but is actively pursuing several leads. We cannot comment or speculate further, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.”
Through his connection to Traxx, Robinson was peripherally involved in organizing the Atlanta Black Gay Pride Celebration, which takes place in less than a week, from September 1-6. Raymond Duke, president of In The Life Atlanta, official organizer of Black Gay Pride, thinks APD's investigation into the shooting as a bias crime is misguided.
"I doubt seriously that it was [bias related]," Duke told CL earlier today. "No one's said that or thinks that. I hope people take time to focus on the loss and the senselessness of the crime, rather than whether it was a hate crime. This could have happened to anyone."
In The Life Atlanta will recognize Robinson at a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, September 1.
Comments (4)
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YES CC did and so did DL Bennett and several Reed Cronies...Hey Reed: cut state jobs? Why don't you cut some city Jobs - like those who are gouging my water bill?! It's easy to dish it out...BAD MAYOR! A long or short 4 years depending on who you are...
Durand Robinson promoted non-violence and helped so many people in his life. For what ever reason he met his demise August 2010. "I still peak around the corner hoping he will show up, dancing that 2 Step, with such a radiant smile plastered on his face". Weds. Aug. 31, 2011, 10:00 pm @ Figure 8, he will be remembered with a Celebration of Unity and Peace. This celebration is so symbolic because the location, Figure 8 is ~ 1 mile from where this incident took place. So many will come to share his legacy and a story or two. At the end of the night we will honor him by doing something that Durand would have said “Job well done”.
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