M E D I A   R E L E A S E


For Immediate Release

October 30, 2003

Unwanted Advance Offered As Motive in Brutal Queens Murder
But Signs Point to Anti-Gay Predator Says Anti-Violence Project

New York – In reference to the recent murder of Eric Hornedo in Ridgewood, Queens, representatives from the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) stated today that though the suspect, Walter Drayton indicated that he killed Hornedo after the victim made an unwanted sexual advance, many of the details of the case closely resemble the actions of an anti-gay predator.

Hornedo was found dead in his van on October 13. He was partially clothed and had been stabbed in the back of the head. Hornedo and Drayton apparently met on one of the phone services widely used to meet people for sexual encounters and then met in person sometime on October 11. While in the van together, according to Drayton, Hornedo made unwanted sexual advances. Drayton said that he tried to escape the van, but the doors and windows were locked. At that point, he says he found a screwdriver, which he used to stab Hornedo.

"From what we know so far, this could be a classic case of an anti-gay predator," said Richard Haymes, AVP's Executive Director. "The suspect seems to be offering the standard 'Gay Panic' excuse for killing Mr. Hornedo –'he made a pass at me, so I had to kill him.' The problems with the scenario in this case stem from a number of troubling details," continued Haymes. "First, there was the prior contact between the two men during which we can imagine that some tryst was likely to have been arranged—a tryst that was apparently to have happened in a deserted industrial area. And second, we certainly support anyone always having the option to change their mind about having sex, but the fact is that even in his haste to escape from Hornedo's van, he took the time to steal his victim's credit and social security cards, which doesn't necessarily jibe with typical victim behavior" concluded Haymes.

Drayton was arrested on October 28 and charged with second-degree murder, robbery, criminal possession of stolen property, and criminal possession of an illegal weapon. Before his arrest, he had allegedly ordered two cell phones and pornographic movies with the stolen credit card.

"We are seeing an increasing number of pick-up crimes and murders in which the murderer finds his victim in online chat rooms or through phone chat lines," said Clarence Patton, AVP's Director of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy. "Bars, nightclubs and other meeting spots have always been prime hunting areas for those wanting to victimize our community. However, as many have moved to meeting over the phone lines or in chat rooms, so have those who prey on us," concluded Patton.

For AVP's tips on Safe Internet Dating, please click here.


The New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is the nation's largest service agency for victims of bias crimes against the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected communities. For twenty-three years, AVP has provided counseling and advocacy for thousands of victims of bias-motivated violence as well as for survivors of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, HIV-related violence, and police misconduct. AVP documents incidents of violence against and within LGTB communities, educates the public about the effects of violence, against or within our communities, and works to reform public policies impacting all lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected people. AVP provides free and confidential assistance to crime victims through our 24-hour bilingual hotline (212-714-1141).