Killer seeks new trial
Frank R. Chester, who allegedly conspired with Richard R. Laird to kill gay artist Anthony Milano almost 25 years ago, wants a federal judge to grant him a new trial.
Chester and Laird allegedly killed Milano in December 1987 after luring the artist from a Bristol Township tavern into a secluded wooded area.
Several hours later, police found Milano’s body, his throat hacked out with a boxcutter.
Chester and Laird were arrested, each blaming the other for the murder.
Prosecutors called it an antigay hate crime, partly because both men made antigay slurs while inside the tavern.
In May 1988, a jury found both men guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced them to death.
But in February 2011, Chester’s first-degree murder conviction and death sentence were vacated by U.S. District Judge C. Darnell Jones 2d.
Jones ruled that jurors weren’t properly instructed on accomplice liability, thus depriving Chester of his right to a fair trial.
Now Chester seeks a reversal of his second-degree murder conviction and other related convictions, including kidnapping, aggravated assault and unlawful restraint.
Chester alleges that his trial attorney, Thomas Edwards Jr., was ineffective, partly because Edwards had a pending DUI charge against him during the 1988 trial.
“This was a vicious, violent killing by Richard Laird and Frank Chester of an innocent, helpless victim simply because they thought he was gay,” said Bucks County First Assistant District Attorney Michelle A. Henry. “That’s what this case is about. We’re fighting this appeal and we will continue to fight this appeal.”
Both sides are expected to file briefs in the matter within the next several weeks, and then Jones will issue a ruling.
Daniel A. Silverman, an attorney for Chester, couldn’t be reached for comment.
Laird’s first-degree murder conviction and death sentence were vacated in 2001, on the basis that he didn’t receive a fair trial. But he received a new trial in 2007, and jurors reinstated the first-degree murder conviction and death sentence.
Laird is currently appealing that ruling in state court.
Chester, 44, remains on death row at the state prison in Graterford.
Laird, 49, remains on death row at the state prison in Franklin Township. — Tim Cwiek
Pulse parties for victims
Pulse Events, which hosts a monthly LGBT dance party, will this weekend stage a charitable event for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
“Time to Give Thanks” will be held from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Nov. 10 at Smokin’ Betty’s, 116 S. 11th St. Pulse will donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief fund.
Cover charge is $5. Pulse will match every “like” it receives on Facebook during the event with $1.
Email [email protected].
Community addresses HIV
The Positive Justice Project and the Philadelphia chapter of the Positive Women’s Network will host a roundtable discussion on the Pennsylvania laws regarding HIV disclosure from 3-6:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
Panelists will include AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania executive director Ronda Goldfein, The Sero Project’s Robert Suttle and a representative from the Philadelphia Public Defender’s Office. The event will also feature a screening of “HIV is Not a Crime,” which features the stories of individuals who were arrested over HIV-disclosure issues. Refreshments will be served.
Pride Day at the Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo will host its fourth annual Pride Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 11. The William Way LGBT Community Center, The Attic Youth Center and Stimulus Productions will team with the zoo for a fun-filled day. The event will include free face painting, live music, an LGBT resource pavilion and themed programs.
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at www.waygay.org or by calling 215-732-2220.
Local church marks World AIDS Day
The Centenary United Methodist Church, 149 S. White Horse Pike in Berlin, N.J., will host a dinner, concert and service event in honor of World AIDS Day, starting at 6 p.m. Nov. 10.
The event will feature a performance by Brotherly Love, an ensemble of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus. From 9-10:15 a.m. the following day, the church will continue to recognize World AIDS Day with a worship service, which will feature local performer Joey Josephs.
For more information, call 609-458-7821.
— Angela Thomas