Gothamist: Pastor Killer To Claim Gay Panic?

harlemsown

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 20:59:24 -0500

It saddens me to hear that this type of defense is something that can still be seen as valid. I knew Reverend Mann ever since I was a child. He was a very close friend of my family's. We are all in shock over his untimely death. He was the type of person who would find furniture for your home if you didn't have any. He would write a referral letter for you if you needed one for work or school. He would make sure your event was supported and attended. He would make sure you would have a job if you just got out of prison. He was funny sweet, kind and loving. He was like an uncle to me and I loved him. He did not ever display the kind of disposition that would indicate that he would engage in that kind of behavior, trying to force himself on someone, gay or straight. My family also met the young man that has been arrested and it is my understanding that he has a long criminal history and Reverend Mann was helping him get back on his feet and get his life together after he got out of prison. A major question for me is if this did happen as he said then why didn't he leave right away? Rev. Mann wasn't found near the door which means he wasn't blocking his way out. Why stab him eight times? Why not call the police right away if he was being attacked and was only defending himself? Why is this story now being told only after he was in police custody for over twenty hours? I only hope that people will recognize that this tragic situation happened to a man who championed the rights of the poor and that he will be remembered for that and I hope his memory will not be marred by the raving desperate accusations of a deeply disturbed man. I will miss Rev. Mann and my thoughts and prayers and the love of my family will be with him always.

jmchez

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 01:18:58 -0500

The 68 year old pastor so wanted sex with the strapping 44 year old man that he pulled a knife. Yeah, right. I hope that there's a special place in hell for those who so horribly betray the kindness and hospitality of those who just offer it expecting a simple thank you. This guy is not the first.

just saying

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 14:14:39 -0500

You say this guy was a "career criminal"? I believe that the Dorrians have a job opening for a bouncer. It looks like this guy has all the right qualifications.

bklynd

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 12:40:48 -0500

Well, yeah, as long as you don't believe that the pastor first wielded the knife (and who would), he's got nothing. Rot in jail, scumbag!

joe

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 11:05:21 -0500

How about black panic? Jew panic? Fat panic? The whole argument is absurd.

MT

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 10:58:40 -0500

So if I kill a woman I can use a "straight panic" defense? How does this even get serious consideration?

just saying

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 10:54:04 -0500

Gay panic defense. Rough sex defense. Shakespeare was right about lawyers: see Henry VI (Act IV, Part 2).

Dee

Wed, 29 Mar 2006 10:44:12 -0500

I'm always troubled by bisexual allegations involving married clergymen. I hope this pastor was not a predator.