An arrest has been made in connection with the recent grisly murders of Britney Cosby and Crystal Jackson, a long term couple, in Texas. Autostraddle broke the story.
James Larry Cosby, Britney's father, has been charged with two counts of tampering with evidence. It appears that the murders took place in his house, though the women's bodies were found outside of a convenience store dumpster. His daughter was beaten to death and Crystal was fatally shot. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges--as high as capital murder--may be presented.
Just last night, James was present at a vigil held for his daughter. "You can't really put something like this into words," he told ABC 13, Houston's local affiliate, at the gathering. He can also be seen on camera, releasing balloons into the sky in honor of his deceased daughter, as the crowd proclaims love for Britney.
Autostraddle said it best, describing this development as "so sickening," though I would add "stomach churning."
As the case continues to develop, GLAAD will keep reaching out to mainstream outlets behind the scenes and online to bring national attention to Britney and Crystal, and violence against LGBT women of color at large. Equality Texas said recently in a statement that, according to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, more than 73% of all anti-LGBT homicide victims in 2012 were people of color.
Community members and local advocates have been organizing tirelessly to honor the young women, both of whom were 24, and find information leading to their killer. Galveston County Crime Stoppers has set up a reward fund, to which you can donate.
Watch ABC 13's report on the vigil below:
Call the Galveston County Sheriff's Office tip line at 866-248-8477 if you have any information about the murders of Britney and Crystal or their stolen silver 2006 Kia Sorrento car.