OutFest announces a new Lifetime OutProud Award and this year’s awardees PAGE 5
Family Portrait: Robert de Anthony brings youthful pride to South Jersey
On the Fringe PAGE 19
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Sept. 5-11, 2014
Since 1976
PGN Philadelphia Gay News Vol. 38 No. 36
HONESTY • INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM
Two years out, no arrest in Cordova case By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com
are filed, but I can tell you that the homicide detectives in this city are some of the best detectives in the country. They work tirelessly to solve all open murder cases in Philadelphia.” Jamerson urged anyone with any information on Cordova’s murder to call 215-686-8477 or 215-6863334 or -3335. A $25,000 reward for information leading to the murderer’s arrest and conviction has remained in place since the fall of 2012. Maher said she thinks someone in the neighborhood where the murder took place has valuable information. Cordova was last seen at a Wawa about a half-mile from the scene, purchasing two drinks and two sandwiches. “From what the police told me the last couple of times, I do think the person of interest lives somewhere in that area,” said Maher. “Somebody knows something.” As justice remains elusive, Maher said, Cordova’s friends, and the wider LGBT community, have
Kyra Cordova was murdered on Labor Day 2012. Two more of the holidays have passed, and Cordova’s murder remains unsolved. The 27-year-old was found with a gunshot wound to the head in the early-morning hours of Sept. RAISE YOUR GLASS: The Philadelphians MC, which has raised 3, 2012, in a wooded area off the almost $60,000 for local charities over the course of its history, 1100 block of Adams Avenue in celebrated its 40th anniversary with 69 of thr group’s dearest friends Frankford. at a banquet onboard the Battleship New Jersey Aug. 30. It was offiPolice said in November 2012 cially the first gay event held on the battleship and the first time the that they had a “person of interest” leather pride flag has ever flown from the tower. Entertainment was in their sights, but have yet to pubprovided by Helene Adele Masiko, also known as “Almost Cher,” a live licly identify anyone as a suspect. vocalist and impersonator who gave the real Cher a real run for her Repeated requests for informamoney in terms of vocals, jokes and, of course, costume changes. tion on the investigation from the The celebration continued over the weekend with a bar night at The Police Public Affairs department Bike Stop, brunch at IHOP, a party at William Way LGBT Community were not returned as of presstime. Center and dinner at Tavern on Camac. Photo: Michael Albany Cordova’s mother, Dawn Maher, said she has been frustrated with the communication among her family and detectives. “A lot of times when I called, the plaintiffs have confirmed it’s By Timothy Cwiek they didn’t call back and that made more than $1 million. timothy@epgn.com The parties attempted to settle me even more frustrated and upset,” Parties in the Whitewood case the matter privately, but nego- she said. “All I want is a call, even continue to squabble over the tiations haven’t been “fruitful,” to say they don’t know anything.” District Attorney’s Office amount of money owed to pre- according to the Aug. 29 filing. communications director Tasha State attorneys want U.S. vailing plaintiffs for legal fees Jamerson said the office “does not District Judge John E. Jones 3d to and costs. The Whitewood case, decided in deny the plaintiffs’ request for an comment on any case unless charges May, resulted in marriage equal- extension until Sept. 29 to file a formal fee petition. ity throughout Pennsylvania. They said granting an extenNow, the plaintiffs are seeking compensation from state and sion would only serve to increase By Timothy Cwiek Bucks County officials for legal the plaintiffs’ legal fees and costs, timothy@epgn.com fees and costs totaling more than and they urged Jones to ensure that a reasonable fee petition is $1 million. The City Law Department last week denied PGN’s Federal law permits prevailing promptly filed. request to review the complete Police Internal Affairs “Plaintiffs’ attorneys have had Division’s investigation file relating to the Nizah plaintiffs to recoup legal fees and more than enough time to gather Morris incident costs in civil-rights cases. But in an Aug. 29 court fil- their records and prepare the In an Aug. 29 letter, city attorney Katharine L. ing, state officials contend that fee request,” said Joshua Maus, Janoski said the file is composed of investigative Whitewood plaintiffs are seeking a spokesperson for the state records that render it off-limits to the public. an “exorbitant amount” in com- Office of General Counsel. “The “As investigatory records, among other things, they pensation for legal fees and costs. attorneys involved in this case are exempt from disclosure under the Right-to-Know The exact amount sought by [American Civil Liberties Union] Law,” her letter states. plaintiffs wasn’t specified in the are seasoned practitioners who Morris was a local transgender woman who became court filing, but attorneys for are intimately a homicide victim in 2002, shortly after entering a PAGE 9
Whitewood fee-squabble continues
been an important support system. But, she noted, she has somewhat removed herself from community activity to deal with the grief process. “They’ve been very important, very helpful. I had some of her friends come to the house and I made some new friends, which is really nice,” she said. “For the first six months afterward, I was so busy doing things and going places that, when all that stopped, that’s when it really hit me. Other than Pride and the Trans* March, which I’ll go to again this year, I haven’t been going to too much. I just never realized what a difference this would make in my life.” This year is especially challenging, Maher noted. Cordova would have turned 30 March 13, and Maher is celebrating her 50th birthday this year. “We always talked about having a big joint party for her 30th and my 50th. Now, I can’t have that party,” she said. “I still every once in a while will be out and see somebody who looks similar to her and be like ... I know she’s not here anymore, but it’s not any easier today than it was yesterday or two years ago. It’s actually kind of worse right now.” n
City: Morris Internal Affairs file off-limits to public police vehicle for a “courtesy ride.” The Morris case remains unsolved. Typically, an IAD file is available to the public once the IAD probe ends. If the incident involves a homicide, the police-homicide file isn’t available to the public. In the Morris case, the reverse is true. The entire Morris police-homicide file has been released to the public, yet the Morris IAD file continues to be withheld. PGN is reviewing its legal options to gain access to the Morris IAD file. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office says it’s actively investigating the Morris homicide. But members of the Justice for PAGE 16