Today is Thursday, October 7th, 2021.

On this day in 1998, 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, who was gay, was beaten by two men and left to die.

The murder captivated the nation and raised awareness for anti-hate crime laws,

though there has since been controversial speculation that the murderer's true motivation wasn't homophobia,

but greed.

Welcome to Today in True Crime, a Spotify original from Parcast.

Due to the graphic nature of this crime, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions and depictions of sexual abuse, hate crimes, murder, and suicide that some people may find disturbing. We advise extreme

caution for children under 13. Today we're covering the day Matthew Shepherd was fatally beaten

by two men. Let's go back to Laramie, Wyoming on October 7, 1998.

It was just after midnight at the fireside bar and lounge.

Locals and out-of-towners alike knew the place

as one of the area's most gay-friendly establishments.

The long evening was winding down after a raucous karaoke night.

21-year-old Matthew Shepard had been drinking since 10.30. He had a boyish appearance,

thanks to his braces, slight 5-2 frame, and his 90s Matt Damon-styled blonde hair. Always quick

to make conversation, Matthew was having a

friendly chat with two men. His companions, 22-year-old Aaron McKinney and 21-year-old Russell Henderson,

had arrived just before midnight. Matthew felt at ease with them, so when Aaron offered him

a ride home in his father's truck,

he was grateful. But as soon as the three hit the road, Aaron pulled out a 357 magnum pistol

and held Matthew at gunpoint. At 1230, they pulled over on a remote rural road and dragged him out,

...