mark carson

"I can’t help but perceive or observe the parallel to the tragedy in Orlando," the judge said. "That parallel is revealed in hatred, self-loathing, fear and death."

Elliot Morales was convicted today of murder as a hate crime, menacing a police officer and possession of weapon.

The suspect called his transgender ex-lover to the stand to testify on his behalf that he is not homophobic.

"I f-king shot him dead!" the suspect allegedly said. "Diagnosis dead, doctor!"

The victim's friend who witnessed the murder had to repeatedly compose himself on the stand as he was questioned by the alleged murderer.

The self-defense classes are sponsored by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and the Council's LGBT Caucus, and are led by the Center for Anti-Violence Prevention.

The NYPD will increase patrols where the hate attacks have occurred through June.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said, "It's clear that the victim here was killed only because and just because he was thought to be gay."

"He was a proud gay man. A fabulous gay man" She added that he loved going to the Village: "His spirit was too big for this city. He didn't have a negative bone in his body."