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Today in History: Mexican Guide Killed in New Orleans Gay Attack

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 10:34 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On September 28 1958, 26-year-old Mexican tour guide Fernando Rios died in New Orleans after suffering injuries from a violent assault the night before. Tulane University student John Farrell, aided by classmates Alberto Calvo and David Drennan, attacked Rios because they perceived him as gay, marking one of the earliest documented gay-bashing murders in the United States.

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Story summary

On September 28 1958, 26-year-old Mexican tour guide Fernando Rios died in New Orleans after suffering injuries from a violent assault the night before. Tulane University student John Farrell, aided by classmates Alberto Calvo and David Drennan, attacked Rios because they perceived him as gay, marking one of the earliest documented gay-bashing murders in the United States.