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Today in History: Matthew Shepard fatally attacked in Wyoming hate crime

10/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On October 6, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a gay college student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally beaten and left to die near Laramie, Wyoming. He succumbed to his injuries six days later in a Colorado hospital, sparking national outrage and igniting discussions on hate crimes and LGBTQ+ rights.

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Story summary

On October 6, 1998, Matthew Shepard, a gay college student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally beaten and left to die near Laramie, Wyoming. He succumbed to his injuries six days later in a Colorado hospital, sparking national outrage and igniting discussions on hate crimes and LGBTQ+ rights.