Emotional courtroom speech of Dennis Shepard... father of Matthew

[@rampageclover9788]

If that was my son, I'd probably end up doing something I'd regret eventually...for this man to stand before those two animals and calmly say those words takes enormous strength

[@yishaqdavid2029]

+Rampage Clover I know if someone killed my daughter. Id regret what I did, because Id being doing life in jail too for murder. This made me actually cry.

[@rampageclover9788]

Not sure if you'd do life...

[@yishaqdavid2029]

Rampage Clover I live in Canada, our Justice system is fucked up. We are not allowed to defend ourselves really. Also they do not care why you did it. Just the fact you did it.

[@Jeff-si8uv]

I’M SO sorry for your loss. I’m so sad 😭

[@Scottsteaux63]

"I miss my son. But I am proud to be able to say he was my son." By that moment I was bawling like a baby.

[@lovelylexi2076]

A kid in my public speaking class recited this as his final project and he caused the entire room to be speechless after he finished

[@pamshappydogs]

Thank you so, so much for posting this. I'd never heard it. It's changed my life--I'll never forget it. What a beautiful, beautiful man Matthew's father is--what a beautiful, powerful few moments of honest expression, and love. And so we will never forget, and we will use the memory of this agony to inspire us, to motivate and empower us in our progress towards freedom and equality and tolerance and love. And we will see that day--I can see it coming now. With all of my love and faith and hope and gratitude, Namaste, Pam

[@JonathonWoodgate]

I was 15yo when Matthew Shepard was murdered. At that time, I had only come out to my immediate family. I still hadn't told my best friend, not until about 5 years later. Because I live in Australia, we only had a couple of vaguely small pieces in the news on the murder and subsequent court case, but not nearly enough to really notice. It wasn't until I saw the Sam Waterston movie that I truly began to understand the significance of this case. RIP Matthew... God loves you, and so do I.

[@andrewcycd]

That was the most heart wrenching thing I’ve ever heard

[@ThebigDG51]

I just finished watching the movie again. I came here to hear the words spoken from his father. We must never let the memory of Matthew go away. His short life must be as important to us as the unneeded death is to help us not ever see this happen again. God be with you Shepard family

[@austintomacelli2633]

Matt seemed liked an amazing guy, he had troubles bit he never deserved what jes been through, his story touchea me so much, I live 90 miles from where he died and about 86 miles from where he was born. He had alot that related to me now. RIP Matt

[@RandyR]

20 years have passed an this still makes me cry. I don't understand how anyone can be so full of ignorance an hatred to attack someone for nothing. No to Hatred, Racism and Homophobia!

[@rick9870]

Someone has a theory of the crime written up in a book, which you can look up on a popular shopping website. In general, that author maintains that there was a different reason for the crime, not a reason that would justify the crime, just a different explanation than the theory of this being a pure hate crime.

[@istvanmunkahely1723]

Matthew had a wonderful father.

[@dumb3stbunn]

I'm crying right now. Matthew didn't deserve this. No one deserves to have something like that happen to them, and sadly it also applies to the two monsters in human form that did this to Matthew. His family has my condolences. They lost a very special person.

[@jonnyjvg]

Dear Sweet Beautiful Matthew! Thank you beyond words, thank you beyond comprehension for all that your life has done to expose EVIL and Hatred! Although I never knew you, I LOVE YOU, and will send prayers above to your FAMILY and friends for the pain and suffering unimaginable they must feel every waking moment! GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU!

[@eIDyablo666]

never forgetten! i dident know u but i believe u were a good human being

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Beautiful speech. I was crying throughout the whole speech. Whatever reason for Aaron McKinney had for murdering Matthew Shepard doesn't justify his actions, and Dennis Shepard was right to refuse to forgive Aaron for what he did. :'(

[@vaslav030547]

One thing Mathew most certainly is, that's a winner. I think of the awareness towards hate he has highlighted. I think of him and those hours he spent and I cry. I think of Judy and Denis. I think of the family that has shone as a beacon and brought light and understanding to a dark and bitter world.

[@RandyR]

Am so sorry to know that this happened. He will not be forgotten. His death lit a candle so hopefully others can see what hatred can do

[@RandyR]

Still makes me cry. He did not die in vain. I have others who have been attacked. Thankfully Society is a bit more open minded today.

[@timjones1250]

thank you mathew for your life....ill never forget

[@bennettshawnee]

I love you Matthew!! R.I.P.

[@TheVintageFeline]

This is heartbreaking.

[@puyipopo]

Matthew is a real and a actual icon for the society. He is a person whom sufers the society intolerance, but his teach us a great thing : tolerance and inclusion for everybody for live in peace !

[@chrisitl]

What a beautiful boy and what a loving father. I can't imagine losing my child for just being themselves. I would hate to be the parents of the monsters who murdered him. RIP Matthew ❤

[@okimlistening2u]

As surely as you are reading this, Matthew Shepard lives in eternal light and peace. By his love, he taught us how to live. As his father so eloquently stated, good rose up out of evil. That is our hope, that is our mission, that is what we believe, that is Matthew Shepard. We remember, we celebrate, we believe in the goodness that was and is Matthew Shepard. Kudos to his parents for giving us this Christ figure who was sacrificed so that we might embrace love in our world.

[@lisafoos3948]

Such love...

[@mzprophetful]

***** I think he forgave his sons killers more so because that's what he thought his son would want him to do..not because he wanted too I'm sure he's a strong man and I for one could never be this song god forbid something like this ever happened to me I just couldn't I wouldn't know how and my hurt wouldn't allow it

[@Ashton123082]

+Skeeter skeet I don't think he sees it as forgiveness. He even stated that he would never forgive the person. I don't know if he has come to, but he stated on Oprah about a year ago that he still would like to see them die so I am guessing not.

[@Ashton123082]

+keisha I don't think he sees it as forgiveness. He even stated that he would never forgive the person. I don't know if he has come to, but he stated on Oprah about a year ago that he still would like to see them die so I am guessing not.

[@paulbonaldi1957]

I cant help but cry every time I hear this or read an article about it,,,I wont ever forget what happened to Matthew,,,,I just wish I knew him,,,He must have been a beautiful person,,,

[@dysonobsessed]

Matthew never deserved this😭😭😭

[@istvanmunkahely1723]

Nobody deserves anything like this. Not even those two evil, heartless monsters who did it to Matthew.

[@soulechannel2]

I WILL COME BACK HERE ON MY BIRTHDAY DATE ... N REMEMBER YOUR LOVE YA HAD FOR YOUR SON ... N EMBRACE THIS AGAIN FOREVER ~!

[@donnieraveling188]

wow. what a powerful speech. parts of me died when Matthew died. I live with the hate as a gay man that is directed at me. The hate that Matthew's father feels everyday is heartwrenching. Matthew's body died 18 years ago today. Until I see you one day Matthew thank you.

[@sampeacaml9307]

How can someone live with the death of a lad like Matt?

[@RandyR]

At times , words are not enough. I will keep his memory alive and keep on fighting so this horror doesn't happen to anyone else. I am in tears. Love will always beat hate. Light will always outshine the darkness! 😩💔

[@fireball0762]

He was beautiful inside and outside.

[@liamwalsh2467]

I love you Matthew.Rest in Peace!!!

[@babycakes1201]

R.I.P Mathew....God Bless you all..

[@justbecause2914]

I was three years old when he died... I'm 21... Im so sorry this kid was taken like this... what a powerful speech. One I wouldn't have the strength to speak. It puts the fear of god in me to know there are such hateful people out there twords gays. Having two babies of my own both being boys, both having the ability to grow up to be gay. If anyone were ever to take them from me in such a way... I only beg god to forgive me for what I would do to those people. I don't hurt anyone physically or mentally ... But I swear on my life, if that happend to my first born... I'd keep them alive alright. You bet your ass I would. Only alive enough to beg for death. This man has the strength I only wish I could have. Rip Matthew Shepperd your story has been heard... 💔

[@justbecause2914]

Thank you Seth. Please for the sake of your mother and yourself be careful out there. People will hate you so much that you've never even met. Being gay has been way more accepted, but people are still very against it. Just becareful.

[@jadykhalid1590]

RIP Matthew...

[@yasmindualeh6179]

Iam so sorry for your lost . Even though I was just 9. Month old when Matthew died . He is my inspiration to change the world for better becouse of you Mathew may you red in peace

[@Ralf020467]

Always in my heart

[@marydu9878]

He is beautiful. He still won. I respect.

[@helgehaugland2812]

Never forget dear Matthew

[@Jeff-si8uv]

You’re SON WILL ALWAYS BE A WINNER 🏆

[@dallascowboytouchdown4319]

They say Matthew couldn’t acknowledge the presence of his family when he was in a coma according to Judy’s impact statement but they say hearing is the last sense to go at the last second. Although they didn’t think he didn’t know he was there, I believe he knew they were there and he could still hear them even though he was in a deep coma

[@aidil4214]

I hope to see him in heaven one day. - Aidil

[@clachapelle]

So sad

[@1066nemo]

I did not know of Matthew Shepard until I invited a gay support group to talk to a group of police officers in the UK, A young gay man explained very eloquently why the gay community in the UK still sit in the shadows, anonymous, I then listened to Janis Ian sing Matthew, The death of this young man was the worst of crimes, but he has touched lives far beyond his home state or country, long may he continue to do so

[@blreedfam]

Matthew Shephard was brutally beaten (his skull was crushed so badly that it did extensive damage to his brain stem), robbed and tightly tied to a fence post, where he was then beaten some more. He was left in the frigid Wyoming weather for 18 hours until he was finally found by a biker barely alive. The only areas visible on his blood caked face were where his tears cleaned the surface. Whether he molested (and that word has many meanings) boys when he was younger is completely irrelevant, AND NOT PROVEN. The two men who did this were cold blooded, heartless killers, and deserve everything they got. No one has any right to desecrate this heartfelt speech, given by a grief stricken father, by making unproven statements that have NO BEARING on what these men did. You should be ashamed!

[@TheGuitarkim]

Love!!!!! may he really rest in gods world.....

[@markyoung2348]

what a tragic waste of a beautiful young life. It would have been so easy to love Matthew. He deserved love !

[@AntPDC]

Heartbreaking. Do victims' families in the US get to decide who lives and dies in trials such as this?

[@rick9870]

The father's speech is what is called a victim impact statement usually given after a conviction but before sentencing. The sentencing is governed by law. Depending on the state and the law, the judge may actually have no discretion over the sentencing, or the judge may have to take into account what are called "special circumstances." But, no, the family does not decide the sentence for the crime. The death of Matthew Shepherd was a hate crime, so it is said, although there is a different theory of the crime. The father's statement, as you heard, had hatred in it, as well. The remains of Matthew Shepherd were interred years later at the National Cathedral in Washington DC, with the burial service about two hours in length (I think the video is here on youtube). As it turns out the presiding minister was also a gay man.

[@91Rdh]

Powerful speech but too bad it wasn't actually his father speaking. It was from the Laramie Project. I would love to hear the audio of his father saying this in court.

[@mzprophetful]

That is her father speaking! What are you talking about this was out before that project thing smh know your stuff before u speak they asked if they could use this in the laramine project thats how it got in there uh duh that is totally 1000% his father

[@PatientxWhatsername]

+keisha But the actual transcript of Dennis' speech is completely different from The Laramie Project's script. I'm in The Laramie Project right now, and I've read the original speech from which the play's monologue was adapted. They don't match.

[@mzprophetful]

Jen Shillingburg oh wow really?? Didn't know that ...awwwe thanks for bringing me back to this video sad but happy to see sweet Matthews face

[@PatientxWhatsername]

+keisha Sure thing. :)

[@ronstultjens4516]

#longfellowrocket. Hear hear. I couldn't have said it better.

[@axelsoncarla]

I can't seem to find the full movie

[@470ohio]

Carla a It's called The Matthew Shephard Story & it is on youtube.

[@Jeff-si8uv]

You are brave all

[@stetg19]

Oh man

[@brandykolb8491]

Matthew didnt deserve to die it makes me angry i watched the movie hate crime is wrong

[@Msloan2389]

This is from the film the Laramie project. This isn't that actual speech is it?

[@DVali56]

The Laramie Project was written by interviews and memories of the actual words of the community, family and friends of Matthew and those involved in the case. I believe this recording is from the movie, "The Matthew Shepard Story." And Yes, the father did say this! It took guts, and my heart aches for the family.

[@DVali56]

It's obvious there are people who would rather judge and believe in lie's in order to justify their own agenda. You sound like you get your truths in search of justifying murder. My truth is simple. Matthew had a right to be himself. He didn't deserve to be beaten and left to die. I don't want and will not read a book that defends hatred. Your skepticisms is misplaced here, and frankly-- In Very Bad Taste.

[@DVali56]

I am here for Matthew Shepard- Not this book you keep talking about. Everything you say might be based on bull- a possibility, don't you think?? Being gay does not make a person a child molester- in fact- statistics around the world prove the opposite is true. Feel free to preach your judgment's all you want. BUT that isn't why I am HERE. Your ASSUMPTIONS that everyone to do with the Matthew Shepard story, website, and charity, and All the people involved in the Laramie Project and interview after interview are ALL Ly'rs but your one book is the truth? Of course you want to believe it- IT lets you have an excuse to condemn a DEAD MAN. MY OPINION- Shame On You!

[@DVali56]

I'm proud to be an advocate for gay, bi-sexual rights! Human being rights are important to me. People who defend hate crimes really get on my nerves. Just saying!!

[@tonyb0904]

Matt Sloan Sam Waterston who played Dennis in the M S story gave this speech just a little paraphrased and with a little more intensity. Either form was very powerfully given. The book that has tarnished Matthew's legacy is called the Book of Matt: hidden Truths... although I think truth is pretty strong, and theories sounds better to me, but that didn't matter to the author. It's still heresy, cause only three people know what led up to the attack and the most honest one can't speak for himself. Matthew, your story still hits me a lot, but you're a spiritual sibling to me, peace with you, and God bless.

[@dannylara7301]

Beautiful

[@Msloan2389]

Ok I'll read your posts. I'm not educated on the subject at all. I just happened to catch the Laramie project on HBO the other day. I wasn't trying to offend or sound smart.

[@soulechannel2]

LOVE TO YAS

[@Raftimusprime]

"Picture of a model" -he was just so average.