Public invited to Lib City meeting
The Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club will tackle candidate endorsements at its public board meeting Aug. 31. It takes place at 6:30 p.m. at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
The agenda also includes an update from Hillary Clinton’s campaign and Pennsylvania Coordinated, an initiative from the state Democratic Party aimed at voter outreach and party building.
The board will further cover information about a fall fundraiser, election activities, volunteer opportunities and committee reports.
For more information, visit www.libertycity.org.
Defendant in Keisha Jenkins murder awaits next court date
The 25-year-old man accused in the murder of transgender woman Keisha Jenkins is still awaiting further court action, two months after his defense lawyers told a judge they were considering a motion to suppress some evidence in the case.
A pre-trial conference was scheduled last week for Pedro Redding, but was continued until Sept. 15.
Police do not believe Redding was the person who fatally shot Jenkins last Oct. 6 at 13th and Wingohocking streets in Logan. But they allege he was involved with several others in the robbery that led to her death. Jenkins, 22, was shot twice in the back during the incident.
Police have said there’s no evidence to indicate Jenkins was targeted for being transgender. No further arrests have been made.
Redding remains in custody at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. He was denied bail and is charged with murder, conspiracy and related offenses.
— Paige Cooperstein
Hearing set in Blatt case
Kate Lynn Blatt, a trans woman accused of harassment and disorderly conduct at a Walmart in St. Clair, Pa., is scheduled to have her day in court this month.
The hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 7 before Magisterial District Justice David A. Plachko in Pottsville.
Blatt, 35, will be represented by attorney Stephen T. Carpenito, who declined to comment.
Blatt’s alleged violations occurred May 28, while she was shopping for clothes with her wife, Lindsey Nowak, at a Walmart store on Terry Rich Boulevard.
A store attendant allegedly refused to allow Blatt to try on clothes in a female fitting room. When Blatt handed the attendant items she didn’t want to purchase, a disturbance ensued.
According to police, Blatt shoved the attendant, causing her to step backwards, and Blatt used profanity during the incident.
Blatt denies shoving the attendant. She said onlookers hurled slurs and death threats at her. Moreover, a responding officer referred to her in male terms, even though Blatt repeatedly corrected him.
— Timothy Cwiek