Denver, CO, July 31, 2008 … Responding to additional reports detailing the brutal and tragic murder of a Greeley transgender woman, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today praised Greeley Police for a quick arrest and called on law enforcement, in conjunction with the Weld County district attorney, to charge and prosecute the alleged perpetrator under Colorado's Bias-Motivated Crime Statute.

 "According to media reports of this heinous crime, this murder falls squarely under Colorado's Bias Motivated Crime Statute and should be prosecuted as such," said Bruce H. DeBoskey, ADL's Mountain States Regional Director. "Hate crimes are unique because they have an impact far beyond the individual victim of the crime. These crimes resonate throughout the victim's community and threaten the safety and well-being of every member of that group.

"In this case, according to media reports, Angie Zapata was murdered because of her gender identity. We call on the Weld County District Attorney, in conjunction with the Greeley Police Department, to prosecute the perpetrator to the full extent permitted under Colorado's Bias-Motivated Crime Statute.  We must send a message that all people are welcome, included and safe in Colorado."