From GetEQUAL TX:
Texas — On Friday, March 7th, the bodies of Crystal Jackson and Britney Cosby were found in a dumpster near Galveston, TX. Based on the details of the murder, it is very clear that these were not accidental deaths, rather someone purposefully ended their lives. The young couple (both 24 years of age) had been together for about two years at the time of their deaths.
Suspect in the murders is James Larry Cosby, the father of Britney. Though there is no confirmed motive for these murders, much evidence has been given by the investigators that point to it being the father’s dislike of Britney and Crystal’s relationship together.
This is the second violent and fatal attack on lesbian women in as many years in Texas. In 2012 Mollie Olgin and Mary Chapa were gunned down in a park in Portland, TX.
Detectives are now asking for the public’s help in identifying the man in the composite sketch. He is described as a black man, possibly in his late 20s to early 30s. He would have been last seen with the women and may be driving a new silver 2006 Kia Sorrento that belonged to Cosby. Police are continuing to search for the missing vehicle, which could be a key piece of evidence in helping solve the tragic killing. The vehicle has paper Texas tags. If you have any information about Britney Cosby’s car or murder please call: Contact the sheriff’s office at (866) 248-8477 or Galveston County Crime Stoppers at (409) 763-8477.
Many within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community have called for state wide vigils to honor the couple and to heal as a community and to discuss the history of violence against women and especially lesbian and transgender women of color in our society at large.
C.D Kirven, LGBT activist and city of Dallas LGBT Taskforce member says, “We want to celebrate the way Britney and Crystal lived and not the way they died. They were a part of a community, an LGBT family that mourns their loss”
Tiffani Bishop, co-state lead organizer for GetEQUAL TX says, “The tragic murders of Britney and Crystal are truly heartbreaking. To discover that Britney’s father is suspected of committing these crimes is difficult to wrap my head around. It is beyond time that our community begin an open and honest dialogue about violence against queer women of color”.
Michael Diviesti, co-state lead organizer for GetEQUAL TX says, “Violence against our community is not new to us. Many of us live in the dark shadows of the closet because we know all too well the violence that awaits us outside. Two beautiful lives have been taken from this world. Who knows what their future would have been or what great things they would have accomplished in their lifetimes were their lives not stolen by ignorance.”
Patrick Fierro, co-state lead organizer for GetEQUAL TX says, “Let us come together as a community and celebrate the lives of Crystal and Britney. Let’s continue our fight to protect our sisters and the LGBTQ family from violent acts against us. Love conquers all so, let’s love one another.”
Vigils are set for Wednesday, March 19th. Whether attending a vigil or not, people are asked to wear yellow in the memory of Britney and Crystal. Some vigils are still being solidified, including one for Williamson County. Please check the GetEQUAL TX facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/GetEQUAL.TX) for updates. Vigils are set for the following cities:
Austin Vigil at 8pm:
MCC Austin (https://www.facebook.com/mccaustin)
8601 South 1st Street
Austin TX 78748
https://www.facebook.com/events/488195074618976/?ref=22
Dallas Prayer Vigil at 7pm:
Living Faith Covenant Church
3403 Shelley Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75211
Fort Worth Vigil at 8pm:
Rainbow Lounge
651 South Jennings Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76104
https://www.facebook.com/events/1474856299399679
Corpus Christi at 7:30pm:
The Water Gardens
1902 N. Shoreline
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Houston – Counseling referral services and Anti-violence training (Anytime):
The Montrose Center
401 Branard Street, 2nd floor
Houston, TX 77006
Website: http://www.montrosecounselingcenter.org/?page_id=5902
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