Story perspectives

Today in History: Matthew Shepard murdered in anti-gay hate crime

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC · How we work

17 2

Summary

Story summary

On October 6 1998, Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student, was brutally beaten and left for dead on a rural road outside Laramie, Wyoming. Rescued and taken to Poudre Valley Hospital, he succumbed to severe head injuries six days later, sparking nationwide awareness of anti-LGBTQ violence.

1 of 1

Story summary

On October 6 1998, Matthew Shepard, a University of Wyoming student, was brutally beaten and left for dead on a rural road outside Laramie, Wyoming. Rescued and taken to Poudre Valley Hospital, he succumbed to severe head injuries six days later, sparking nationwide awareness of anti-LGBTQ violence.