********* PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY *********
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
michael munson, Executive Director
FORGE
PO Box 1272
Milwaukee, WI 53201
www.forge-forward.org
info@forge-forward.org
414-559-2123
December 20, 2010
It is with great relief and continued sorrow we share the results of today's sentencing hearing of Andrew R. Olaciregui, convicted of second degree reckless homicide of 26 year old African-American transgender woman, Chanel Larkin, on May 7, 2010.
Olaciregui was sentenced to 18 years, 11 of which will be spent in confinement (with limited eligibility for earned early release), and 7 years of extended supervision. The terms of Olaciregui's extended supervision include, but are not limited to, no purchasing or possessing weapons, compliance with mental health and alcohol assessment (including recommended treatment), employment (and/or school), no contact with the Larkin family, no solicitation of sex for money, compliance with random drug testing, payment of annual costs associated with extended supervision, and maintaining a clear record of no law violations. He is also responsible for paying existing fines and restitution to the Larkin family for burial costs. A ban on owning or purchasing any firearms will be in effect throughout his entire life. The maximum sentence for second degree reckless homicide is 25 years (15 years confinement and 10 years extended supervision).
We extend our comfort and sympathy to Chanel's family, her house/family and loved ones. We also offer compassion for Mr. Olaciregui and for his family - whose lives have also been deeply affected by this set of horrific events.
We are grateful that both mainstream press and LGBTQ press continue to cover this case and care about transgender rights and issues.
FORGE is extremely proud of our community which repeatedly stepped forward, who made their presence known, who created an opportunity for the judge to see and deeply understand -- through victim impact statements, through awareness of rallies and vigils, through media coverage of events and concerns -- that transgender individuals' lives matter and that Chanel's life was significant to her family, to her friends, to our local African American LGBT community, to our local and national transgender community.
Today, FORGE recognizes the power of narrative and the influence of language. The stories of our community's experiences and reactions, daily fears and pervasive angst, helped determine the outcome of today's sentence. Those very same narratives (assisted with a shifting and positive media coverage), altered the language used by the prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, and the defendant. Every one of them used the word "transgender" and all acknowledged that not only was Chanel's family impacted by her death, but the transgender community was, as well.
Today, we also recognize the deep and potent power of how one person's victimization and struggle (Olaciregui and countless others) can result in a pattern that repeats and revictimizes (Larkin and countless others). We are reminded that the answers to ending violence against any transgender individual, is to work towards ending violence against ALL individuals. We comprehend the magnitude of this charge, but believe that the end to violence can only be achieved through non-violent, non-aggressive measures - by countering hate, harm and hurt with persistence, patience, and peacefulness.
For more information about today's sentencing, please contact FORGE at 414-559-2123 or info@forge-forward.org.
