Story Outline

Matthew Shepard Murder Trial Opens In Laramie WY From a news story by CNN San Francisco Reporter Don Knapp October 11, 1999

I. It has been a painful, difficult year in Laramie, Wyoming.

A. Matthew Shepard was beaten and killed, the victim of a hate crime.

B. There have been demonstrations against gay people.

C. There have been candlelight vigils and pleas to end violence.

II. Laramie, Wyoming seems ready for the end of the Matthew Shepard case.

A. Some people think that Laramie got a "bad rap" as a redneck, hick town.

B. Some people say that it was not easy to grow up in Laramie as a gay teenager because it wasn't possible to talk about it.

C. Now some people say that there has been an explosion of discussion on the issue.

III. Now there are events in Laramie about the case.

A. Prosecuters and defense attorneys are preparing for the trial.

B. The trial will begin on October 25th, 1999.

C. There have been demonstrations at the courthouse.

D. There was a concert in memory of Matthew Shepard, performed by the singing group Peter, Paul and Mary.

 

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