Three men charged for the mutilation and murder of gay man Bernardo Pantaleon
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Three men have been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in connection with the death of 30-year-old Bernardo Pantaleon, whose body was discovered in a park in Phoenix, Arizona on 26 November. According to court documents seen by local CBS affiliate Arizona’s Family, Pantaleon had been shot multiple times before his body was mutilated with a knife.
The family of Pantaleon revealed that his body had been so badly beaten and tortured that investigating officers asked them not to see the corpse. Loved ones believe that Pantaleon was the victim of a targeted hate crime due to his sexual orientation.
Days after Pantaleon’s body was found, his relatives received photos that allegedly showed his mutilated body. In one photo, a man could be seen holding his middle finger up to the camera. At least one of these photos was also posted to Instagram. The traumatic photos helped detectives identify the suspected shooter and gather evidence that the murder had been premeditated.
Police were able to uncover messages between the suspects discussing the murder. Additionally, social media posts were found in which derogatory comments were made about Pantaleon’s sexuality and about how homosexuality wasn’t allowed in certain parts of Phoenix. Using this information, three men were arrested on Sunday (3 December) in connection with the murder.
The three suspects have been identified as Jose Rodriguez, 20, Leonardo Santiago, 21, and Manual Carrasco-Calderon, 21. All three have reportedly confessed to their involvement in Pantaleon’s murder and now face charges of first-degree premeditated murder. Santiago, who is believed to be the shooter, and Carrasco-Calderon also face a felony charge of crimes against the dead.
The three men are currently being held on bonds ranging from $500,000 to $2 million. While Arizona’s hate crime law does not allow for a separate hate crime charge, if a judge or jury determines that the crime was motivated by Pantaleon’s sexual orientation, the suspects’ sentences could be significantly increased.
This horrifying incident highlights the ongoing issue of hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. It is a tragic reminder that discrimination and violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation still persist, even in more progressive societies.
The senseless murder of Bernardo Pantaleon has shocked the local community and the wider LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a stark reminder that hatred and intolerance can have devastating consequences. It is crucial that society continues to work towards greater acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
The investigation into Pantaleon’s murder is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to gather all the evidence necessary to ensure that justice is served. It is imperative that those responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable for their actions, not only to bring closure to Pantaleon’s grieving family but also to send a strong message that hate crimes will not be tolerated.
In conclusion, the murder of Bernardo Pantaleon serves as a painful reminder of the discrimination and violence that members of the LGBTQ+ community still face. It is essential that society continues to fight against hate and work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting world for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.
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