He then attended Catawba College in North Carolina and Casper College in Wyoming, before settling in Denver, Colorado. [4] Shepard attended Crest Hill Elementary School, Dean Morgan Junior High School, and Natrona County High School for his freshman through junior years. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Passed away unexpectedly on October 3, 2014. Hace dos dcadas, la muerte de un estudiante gay que fue torturado y atado a un cerco en. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. or anything. [71] Foxx later called her comments "a poor choice of words". citrix vda registration state unregistered Select the best result to find their address, phone number, relatives, and public records. Following his death and inspired by Shepards passion to foster a more caring and just world, Shepards parents created the Matthew Shepard Foundation whose mission is for "individuals to embrace human dignity and diversity" and "to replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance.". All rights reserved. We use cookies to personalize & enhance your experience. Oct. 26, 2018. Don't knowingly lie about anyone He was discovered and hospitalized, though he succumbed to his injuries. [30] On April 5, 1999, Henderson avoided going to trial when he pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping charges. Adams Funeral Home - Ozark . Matt aka "Shep" was a loving husband and father. Matthew's current home is located at Springfield, MO. McKinney and Henderson were arrested and were convicted of felony murder and kidnapping. [9] Price said she had lied to police about McKinney having been provoked by an unwanted sexual advance from Shepard, telling TV journalist Elizabeth Vargas, "I don't think it was a hate crime at all. University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard dies after a vicious anti-gay attack. See
He was also a member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. [11], McKinney and Henderson were arrested and initially charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery. The story of Matthew Shepard began on December 1, 1976 when he was born to Judy and Dennis Shepard in Casper, Wyoming. [37][41][42][43][44] Some commentators, however, have spoken up to defend it. [79][80] The ceremony was presided over by the first openly gay Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson, and the Bishop of Washington Reverend Marianne Edgar Budde. Recommend Scott's obituary to your friends. Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado, USA. The police intervened and created a human barrier between the two groups. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was finally passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama in October 2009. based on information from your browser. PUBLISHED: July 9, 2020 at 6:47 a.m. | UPDATED: July 24, 2020 at 5:38 p.m. Meet the celebrities who made their . Matts college career eventually took him back to Wyoming where he studied political science, foreign relations, and languages at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. It was later determined that McKinney and Henderson discovered his home address, intending to burgle his home. There is a problem with your email/password. On October 7, 1998, twenty-one year old Matthew met Aaron James McKinney and Russell Arthur Henderson in a local Laramie bar. For information on FEMA's COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Program, click here. view. We'd love to hear eyewitness Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Matthew Wayne Shepard. The Shepard/Byrd Act gives the Department of Justice the power to investigate and prosecute bias-motivated violent crimes against LGBT victims. 9255 Natural Bridge Road at I-170 | St. Louis, MO 63134 Available 24/7 Personal details about Matthew include: political affiliation is currently a registered Republican; ethnicity is unknown; and religious views are listed as unknown. John Lesko, Community Contributor. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism The Murder of Matthew Shepard On the night of October 6, 1998, the now 21-year-old Matthew Shepard left an LGBT student group gathering on the University of Wyoming campus and stopped to grab a beer at the Fireside Lounge in Laramie. Still alive but in a coma, Shepard was rushed to Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. Check Full Reputation Profile
Guest Review of The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths About the Murder of Matthew Shepard. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Mary Freeman Sheppard (Springfield, Missouri), who passed away on February 3, 2023, at the age of 100, leaving to mourn family and friends. He was born on November 2, Continue Reading Paul was a resident of Streator, Illinois at the time of passing. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (2009). Terms of Use | We know that Matthew's political affiliation is currently a registered Republican; ethnicity is unknown; and religious views are listed as unknown. There was an error deleting this problem. Police found evidence of Shepard in the truck belonging to the two murderers. February 3, 2023 Matthew Shepard Foundation El estudiante de ciencias polticas soaba con convertirse en un diplomtico. "[10], In June 2019, Shepard was one of the inaugural fifty American "pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes" inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument (SNM) in New York City's Stonewall Inn. Our Calendar | English His injuries were deemed too severe for doctors to operate. Inspired by the tragedy they endured, the initial purpose of the Foundation was to teach parents with children who may be questioning their sexuality to love and accept them for who they are, and to not throw them away. [ Read More >] Harms, Marsha Kaye October 14, 1951 - December 01, 2022. This browser does not support getting your location. Chairman, The Forensic Panel", "The Daily Camera:Matthew Shepard Murder", "New details emerge about suspects in gay attack", "University of Wyoming Matthew Shepard Resource Site", "Hate crimes bill still elusive 10 years after savage gay killing", "Murder charges planned in beating death of gay student", "Beaten gay student dies; murder charges planned", "Witnesses Trace Brutal Killing of Gay Student", "Quiet bombshell in Matthew Shepard trial", "Mother's mission: Matthew Shepard's death changes things", Book Review: 'The Book of Matt,' by Stephen Jimenez, "Matthew Shepard Murdered By Bisexual Lover And Drug Dealer, Stephen Jimenez Claims In New Book", "New book questions Matthew Shepard killing", "ABC News Revisits Student's Killing, and Angers Some Gays", "GLAAD: 10 Questions About ABC'S 20/20 Show on Matthew Shepard", "Gay-hate, journalism and compassionate questioning", "Book of Matt Author Responds to Media Matters", "Suspect pleads guilty in beating death of gay college student", "Fifteen years after Matthew Shepard's murder, Wyoming remains anti-gay", "National LGBTQ Wall of Honor unveiled at Stonewall Inn", "National LGBTQ Wall of Honor to be unveiled at historic Stonewall Inn", "Groups seek names for Stonewall 50 honor wall", "Mother of Hate-Crime Victim to Speak at Colby", "Investigative Programs: Civil Rights: Hate Crimes", The Myths of Matthew Shepard's Infamous Death, "President Clinton urges Congress to pass hate crimes bill: GOP aides predict legislation will pass House, but will not become law", "House Democrats Condemn GOP Rejection of Hate Crimes Legislation", "Bush threatens to veto expansion of hate-crime law", "House Votes to Expand Hate Crime Protection", "Virginia Foxx: Story of Matthew Shepard's Murder A "Hoax", "Congresswoman calls gay death case a 'hoax', "Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act Introduced in Senate", "U.S. Senate: Legislation & Records: Roll Call Vote", "Senate passes measure that would protect gays", "Mother of Matthew Shepard welcomes U.S. hate crimes bill", "Bishop Robinson welcomes Matthew Shepard and gay Christians back to the church", "Gay hate crime victim interred in capital", "Matthew Shepard and the History of the Interment the Dead in Washington National Cathedral", "Matthew Shepard's Mom Moved to Tears by Jason Collins's Gesture", "Jason Collins' jersey skyrockets to No. Try again later. [10][14][15], The assailants' girlfriends testified that neither McKinney nor Henderson was under the influence of alcohol or other drugs at the time of the attack. Reviews help
Scott was born in Clinton, Missouri on June 17, 1972, the son of David Goth and Barbara Shepard. As a child, he was "friendly with all his classmates", but was targeted and teased due to his small stature and lack of athleticism. He was easy to talk to, made friends easily, and actively fought for the acceptance of all people. [57][58] Under existing United States federal law[59] and Wyoming state law,[60] crimes committed on the basis of sexual orientation could not be prosecuted as hate crimes. See
[82], Matthew Shepard's life, death, trial, and its aftermath have inspired numerous works, including documentary and narrative films and television shows, stage plays (such as The Laramie Project), and musical and written works. Our mission is to treat each family we serve with the utmost respect, exceed their expectations of service and offer affordable options.The decision of cremation or burial, traditional services or contemporary celebrations, is yours to make; whatever you choose, Midwest is here for you and your family. Other family members and associates include Stacy Shepard, Jennifer Shepard, Brian Shepard, Kimberly Shepard and Ronald Shepard. records, Lawsuits, Liens, Bankruptcies & sex offender status for Matthew Shepard. Courtesy of The Matthew Shepard Foundaton Nearly 20 years. Mary Freeman Sheppard Obituary It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Mary Freeman Sheppard (Springfield, Missouri), who passed away on February 3, 2023, at the age of 100, leaving to mourn family and friends. The links on this page will explain the full range of services we provide to all faiths and customs. View All Obituaries Join the Mailing List When an obituary is published to our site, we will notify you by email. [87], "Matt Shepard" redirects here. In the early hours of October 7, the pair lured him away from the bar and drove him to a rural area where they tied him to a split-rail fence, beat him severely with the butt of a .357 Smith & Wesson pistol and left him to die in the near-freezing temperatures of the early morning hours. [29] Detective Ben Fritzen testified that Price stated McKinney told her the violence against Shepard was triggered by how McKinney "[felt] about gays". businesses, and does affect the Reputation Score. Obituaries can vary in the amount of information they contain, but many of them are genealogical goldmines, including information such as: names, dates, place of birth and death, marriage information, and family relationships. August 15, 1927 February 26, 2023 JOIN OUR OBITUARIES Welcome Since 1947, Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri has proudly helped families celebrate the lives of their loved ones. He attended Dean Morgan Junior High School and Natrona County High School, before spending his junior and senior year at the American High School in Switzerland, graduating in 1995. Charles E. Shepard Sr., of Greenfield, MO, departed this life on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO at the age of 79. Obituaries & Death Notices. Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Bessie Shepard. Year should not be greater than current year. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. In addition to his family . The two men offered to give him a ride back to the dorms, and Shepard was subsequently robbed, beaten, tied to a fence and left to die. Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. VIEW ALL OBITUARIES. people learn more about others, just like Yelp does for
[22][23][24], Shepard was pronounced dead six days after the attack at 12:53a.m. on October 12, 1998. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Mary Freeman Sheppard to show support. Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services, LLC. Shepard, Steven P. Age 45, of Chanhassen. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was finally passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama in October 2009. Feb 26, 2023. This is a carousel with slides. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? Matthew Shepard, in full Matthew Wayne Shepard, (born December 1, 1976, Casper, Wyoming, U.S.died October 12, 1998, Fort Collins, Colorado), American college student who was severely beaten because of his sexual orientation and was left to die in 1998. Because his brutal attack attracted so much media coverage, Shepard's death was front and center of the outcry against anti-gay hate and violence. Obituaries | His parents, Dennis and Judy Shepard, declined to comment for this story. There, he participated in theater, and took German and Italian courses. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. Site contains certain content that is owned A&E Television Networks, LLC. Other names that Matthew uses includes Matthew P Shepard. [75] On October 22, 2009, the Senate passed the act by a vote of 6829. Memorial services for Victoria L. Shepard, 64, Hollister, Mo., will be held Jan. 12, 2022 at 10a.m. Music was performed by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington DC, GenOUT, and Conspirare, which performed Craig Hella Johnson's Considering Matthew Shepard. Johnny William Nichols. Age 70. We strive for accuracy and fairness.If you see something that doesn't look right,contact us! [34] Following her testimony at McKinney's trial, Price pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor interference with a police officer. to see complete work history. Our work is an extension of Matts passion to foster a more caring and just world. Related To Delia Shepard, Marsha Shepard, Eleanor Shepard, Angela Shepard, Harold Shepard. [45] Some police that were involved in the investigation have criticized Jimenez's conclusions,[46][47] while other police said that there was evidence that drugs were an important factor that led to the murder. A system error has occurred. After meeting Shepard in a Laramie, Wyoming, gay bar, The Fireside Lounge, Russell Henderson and Aaron McKinney . [9] Henderson and McKinney later tried to persuade their girlfriends to provide alibis for them and help them dispose of evidence. Recommend Charles's obituary to your friends. . Echovita offers a solidarity program that gives back the funds generated to families. Paul Eric Shepard Paul was born on October 31, 1969 and passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2018. Judy Shepard speaks about her loss, her family memories of Matthew, and the tragic event that changed the Shepards' lives and America. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, a federal law against bias crimes directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people. [9][10] This caused him to experience depression and panic attacks, according to his mother. Prosecutor Cal Rerucha alleged that McKinney and Henderson pretended to be gay to gain Shepard's trust. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Matthew Wayne Shepard I found on Findagrave.com. Threats of harming another | Funeral Home Website by Batesville Home | Matthew Shepard died from severe injuries he sustained in a gay-related hate crime attack. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. " The Shepard case prompted President Bill Clinton to renew an attempt to extend federal hate crime legislation to include gay and lesbian individuals, as well as women and people with disabilities; the efforts were rejected by the US House of Representatives. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. Shortly after, police found the bloody gun as well as Shepard's shoes and wallet in McKinneys truck. Landlines . He was preceded in death by his. At Casper, a teacher introduced him to Romaine Patterson, an outgoing lesbian who became one of Shepards close friends. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. Drag images here or select from your computer for Matthew Wayne Shepard memorial. Matthew Wayne Shepard (December 1, 1976 - October 12, 1998) was a gay American student at the University of Wyoming who was beaten, tortured, and left to die near Laramie on the night of October 6, 1998. Also present were notorious protestors from the Westboro Baptist Church, including Fred Phelps himself, who picketed the funeral with homophobic signs. Missouri Veteran Cemetery, Springfield, Mo. [27][29] At McKinney's November 1998 pretrial hearing, Sergeant Rob Debree testified that McKinney had stated in an interview on October 9 that he and Henderson had identified Shepard as a robbery target and pretended to be gay to lure him out to their truck, and that McKinney had attacked Shepard after Shepard put his hand on McKinney's knee. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. Reports described how Shepard was beaten so brutally that his face was completely covered in blood, except where it had been partially cleansed by his tears. Just a few months after arriving in Laramie, on October 6, 1998, Shepard encountered Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson at a local pub, The Fireside Lounge. Matthew Shepard died on Oct. 12 in a Colorado hospital, surrounded by family. While he lay in intensive care and in the days following the attack, candlelight vigils were held in countries around the world. "[9][36] Rerucha said, "It was a murder that was once again driven by drugs. Our mission is to treat each family we serve with the utmost respect. to see possibly who they are and full class lists found from school records and public sources. Send Flowers | MyLife is NOT a Consumer Reporting Agency - You may NOT use this information to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, tenancy or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. To combat their bigotry, Shepards friend Patterson organized a group, now called Angel Action, to block the protestors by wearing white robes and large angelic wings. Use Escape keyboard button or the Close button to close the carousel. Pastor Dr. Larry White will officiate. Shepard was discovered 18 hours later by a bicyclist, Aaron Kreifels, who at first thought he was a scarecrow. It was already viewed
The outside of our facility may not have the appearance of a traditional funeral home, but we do offer the same services. Be Truthful. He was beaten and left to die in the cold of the night. Scotts hobbies included, Fishing, camping, and kayaking. [8] She was a main force behind the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which she and her husband Dennis founded in December 1998. Phone Numbers. [49] In response, Romaine Patterson, one of Shepard's friends, organized a group that assembled in a circle around the Westboro Baptist Church protesters. Jan 16, 2023. After attacking Shepard and leaving him tied to the fence in near-freezing temperatures, McKinney and Henderson returned to town. "[9], Stephen Jimenez, the producer of the 2004 20/20 segment, went on to write a book, The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths About the Murder of Matthew Shepard, which was published in September 2013. [62][52], President Bill Clinton renewed attempts to extend federal hate crime legislation to include gay people, women, and people with disabilities. By remaining locally owned and operated, we have kept our roots firmly planted in the Ozarks for more than 60 years. Sorry! His brutal and gruesome death has become one of the most notorious anti-gay hate crimes in American history and. View Full Report Current Address: 831 South Luster Avenue, Springfield, MO 65802 Mobile Phone: View Current Number Email: View Current Email . [6] He was described by his father as "an optimistic and accepting young man who had a special gift of relating to almost everyone. The bill passed the House of Representatives on May 3, 2007. (100 years old). To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Family members linked to this person will appear here. 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. This may contain information such as company name, job title, address, and time period of service. The statements alleged that the murder had not been motivated by Shepard's sexuality but was primarily a drug-related robbery that had turned violent. [25][26][27][28] He was 21 years old. This section can be locked, requiring permission to
Matthew Shepard was born in 1976 in Casper, Wyoming; he was the first of two sons born to Judy (ne Peck) and Dennis Shepard. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Send Flowers | If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that. [50] Angel Action was founded by Patterson in April 1999. Matthew Wayne Shepard. Local obituaries for the Springfield, Missouri area 3,279 Results Thursday, March 2, 2023 Add Photos Add a Memory Tok Cha Bobb-Johnson Tok Cha Bobb-Johnson, 67, of Springfield, MO passed. Shepard; Matthew Shepard from Springfield, MO; Matthew Shepard (age 41) from Springfield, MO - (417) 827-6884. [65], On March 20, 2007, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. There is 1 volunteer for this cemetery. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, said she was "still committed to getting the Matthew Shepard Act passed". [64] In September 2000, both houses of Congress passed such legislation; however, it was stripped out in conference committee. By remaining locally owned and operated, we have kept our roots firmly planted in the Ozarks for more than 60 years. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. [29], In December 1998, Pasley pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Write your message of sympathy today. 10/21/21 Matthew Shepard Funeral 249 views Streamed live on Oct 21, 2021 2 Dislike Share Save Trinity Lutheran Church Springfield Missouri 194 subscribers We are Trinity Lutheran Church,. No animated GIFs, photos with additional graphics (borders, embellishments. August 29 - January 16 view by town. He was a musician, painter, chef, and father. During that time, Shepard attended the American School in Switzerland (TASIS),[5] from which he graduated in May 1995. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. Some assert that Shepard's petit stature (he was only 5 2 and 100 pounds) made him particularly vulnerable to victimization. Shepard was transported first to Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie before being moved to the more advanced trauma ward at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. Memorial services for Victoria L. Shepard, 64, Hollister, Mo., will be held Jan. 12, 2022 at 10a.m. Try again later. Otherwise, it's simple to create a new one by clicking on the Create "Sign up" button and following the simple steps on the Sign Up page. Our chapel is designed for smaller services or gatherings of 30-50 people. We are a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregation, having recently celebrated our one-hundredt.
You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Significant media coverage was given to the murder and what role Shepard's sexual orientation played as a motive for the crime. Check all background information that MyLife has gathered. Almost 18 hours later, he was found by a bicyclist who initially mistook him for a scarecrow. Matt Dunne went all 7 innings, allowing just 3 hits and 1 earned run while striking out 4. . His memorial service was attended by friends and family from around the world and garnered immense media attention that brought Matts story to the forefront of the fight against bigotry and hate. Show Caption. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? In 2004, the ABC News news program 20/20 aired a report that quoted statements by McKinney, Henderson, Price, Rerucha, and a lead investigator. Best Match Powered by Whitepages Premium AGE 50s Matthew David Shepard Cape Girardeau, MO Aliases Matt David Shepard View Full Report Addresses Rodney Leroy Pennington. Our Obituaries (Displaying - of records) . Missouri Veteran Cemetery, Springfield, Mo. Charles E. Shepard Sr. Charles E. Shepard Sr., of Greenfield, MO, departed this life on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO at the age of 79. Two men, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, abducted Matt and drove him to a remote area east of Laramie, Wyoming. All photos uploaded successfully, click on the Done button to see the photos in the gallery. In the book, Jimenez upends our understanding of the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard 15 years ago in Laramie, Wyoming, a crime that quickly came to be regarded as an open-and-shut case of anti . View Cell Phone Number View Background Report. During his senior year, Shepard took a vacation with three classmates to Morocco. [19], Still tied to the fence, Shepard was in a coma eighteen hours after the attack when he was discovered by Aaron Kreifels, a cyclist who initially mistook Shepard for a scarecrow. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. The story that had been told in the . [73] Ted Kennedy, Patrick Leahy, and a bipartisan coalition introduced the bill in the Senate on April 28;[74] it had 43 cosponsors as of June 17, 2009. He then moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, before moving back home to attend community college at Casper College. Shepard died just a few days later on October 12, 1998, at the age of 21. He was a member of the Army Reserves. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Springfield is 194 to 1.. Crime in Springfield detailed stats: murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, arson Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Mary Freeman Sheppard to show support. You have permission to edit this article. He died May 4, 2015 at his home. Shepards life and untimely death have served as an inspiration for activism against hate. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (2009). Searching obituaries is a great place to start your family tree research. February 26 . On October 7, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked and tied to a fence in a field outside of Laramie, Wyoming and left to die. The two men who attacked him, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, were convicted of first-degree murder and. This third-party data is then indexed through methods similar to those used by Google or Bing to create a listing. to see possible education history including where and when they attending high school and college, and a complete list of his high school class list. Scott was born in Clinton, Missouri on June 17, 1972, the son of David Goth and Barbara Shepard. It has been 20 years since Matthew Shepard was murdered, but his cremains will finally be laid to rest. George "Sonny" Howell. There was a problem getting your location. During their trial, Henderson and McKinney claimed that they had panicked after Shepard had allegedly made sexual advances on them; they also claimed that they had only intended to rob him, and not to kill him. The book said that Shepard and McKinneythe killer who inflicted the injurieshad been occasional sex partners and that Shepard was a methamphetamine dealer. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. Plan Ahead | This profile was gathered from multiple public and
[48], Church members also mounted anti-gay protests during the trials of Henderson and McKinney. Charles worked 22 years at Crown Zellerbach in Antioch, CA. On October 28, 2009, over eleven years after Shepards murder, President .css-47aoac{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#A00000;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-47aoac:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}Barack Obama, with Judy Shepard by his side, signed into law The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Home; . "[8], In 1995, Shepard was beaten and raped during a high school trip to Morocco.