McMillian with one of his political role models; Barack Obama was another

Marco McMillian, the (first-ever) out mayoral candidate from Mississippi, may have been the victim of an anti-gay hate crime. His family released a statement saying:

"We know that Marco was brutally murdered. His body was found on Wednesday, February 26, 2013, beaten, dragged and burned (set afire). This was reported in our meeting with the local coroner on two occasions. We were informed that the official autopsy could take two to four weeks to complete. We feel that this was not a random act of violence based on the condition of the body when it was found. Marco, nor anyone, should have their lives end in this manner."

McMillian had apparently communicated ot his family that he feared for his well-being before his murder. Lawrence Reed, 22, is in custody for the murder. A gay-panic defense may be employed by Reed when he sees his day in court.