Trans death ruled accidental
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office announced Monday that the death of a transgender woman this summer following a voodoo ritual appears to have been accidental.
Lucie Marie Hamilton, of Little Rock, Ark., died July 10 following a “spiritual cleansing” in the Gloucester Township home of Hector Salva.
The prosecutor said her death was not suspicious and resulted from a combination of physical exhaustion, lack of food and ventilation and an “oxygen-depleted atmosphere.”
Hamilton was one of seven participants who’d paid Salva to take part in a Lave Tet ceremony, which is supposed to cleanse the body and mind.
According to the prosecutor’s office, there were no substances in Hamilton’s system besides cinnamon.
Spades tourney for homeless youth
The organizers of OverTime, a new monthly lesbian party, will host a spades tournament at 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at Smokin’ Betty’s, 116 S. 11th St., to raise money for local youth homeless agency Covenant House.
The event, hosted by Miss Shara Dae, will feature music by DJ BeFree and food and drink specials. Twenty teams of two can register for the tournament, and the winners will walk away with half of the 50/50 pot.
Registration is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
PAC seeks candidates
The Police Advisory Commission, the city agency that provides oversight for the Philadelphia Police Department, is seeking individuals interested in joining the commission.
The agency, which investigates police misconduct and fosters better relations among the police and local communities, is looking for volunteers 18 or older and who are residents of Philadelphia. Those with an interest in law enforcement may be given preference.
Final appointments will be decided by Mayor Nutter and City Council.
To apply, mail a résumé to Police Advisory Commission, P.O. Box 147, Philadelphia, PA 19107. For more information, visit www.phila.gov/Pac.
— Jen Colletta