A South Carolina man, Xavier Pinckney, pleaded guilty to obstructing an investigation into the murder of Dime Doe, a Black transgender woman who was tragically killed in December 2019. The case highlighted the severity of violence against the LGBTQI+ community, particularly transgender individuals of color.
According to court documents, Pinckney, aged 24, from Allendale, admitted to providing false and misleading information to state authorities investigating Dime Doe’s murder. He concealed the use of his phone to call and text Doe on the day of her murder and falsely denied seeing Daqua Ritter, the alleged perpetrator of Doe’s shooting, on the morning of the incident.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division emphasized the accountability necessary in cases involving violence against LGBTQI+ individuals, especially transgender women of color. The Justice Department reiterated its commitment to investigating and prosecuting those involved in such crimes or who attempt to obstruct investigations into these appalling acts.
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs for the District of South Carolina highlighted the urgent need to confront hate in all forms, particularly following the senseless murder of Dime Doe. The guilty plea of Pinckney is a significant step in the pursuit of justice for those affected by bias-motivated crimes.
The FBI Columbia Field Office investigated the case, with Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen reaffirming the commitment to investigating crimes against marginalized communities and holding accountable those responsible.
Xavier Pinckney faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the obstruction of justice offense. The sentencing date is yet to be scheduled, with a federal district court judge to determine the sentence based on statutory factors and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The prosecution team handling the case involves Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brook Andrews, Ben Garner, and Elle Klein for the District of South Carolina, along with Trial Attorney Andrew Manns from the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
This guilty plea marks a significant stride in addressing violence against marginalized communities and stands as a commitment to seeking justice for victims of hate-motivated crimes.