Matthew Shepard Finally Laid to Rest 20 Years After Murder

Matthew Shepard, who’s brutal 1998 murder sparked a reform in US hate crime law and brought an international spotlight to the discrimination and violence faced by LGBT+ people, has finally been laid to rest, reports CNN.

Shepard has been buried alongside former US President Woodrow Wilson and deaf-blind activist Helen Keller at the Washington National Cathedral after an exhausted two decade search for an appropriate and secure resting place – Shephard’s original funeral was interrupted by protestors.

The service was attended by more than 2,000 people on Friday October 26 and was live-streamed on YouTube.

“It is so important we now have a home for Matt,” said Matthew’s father Dennis Shepard. “A home that others can visit. A home that is safe from haters.

“Matt was blind, just like this beautiful house of worship.

“He did not see skin colour. He did not see religion. He did not see sex orientation. All he saw was a chance to have another friend.”

Shepard was brutally tortured and murdered in Laramie, Wyoming on October 12 1998, he was just 21 years old.

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