Gay Today: World

Gallaudet University Murder Suspect Charged in 2 Killings

Compiled By GayToday

Washington, D.C.—Joseph Mafnas Mesa, Jr., 20, a native of Guam, has been arrested and arraigned in connection with the murders of Eric F. Plunkett, 19, a gay student activist at Gallaudet University and Benjamin Varner of San Antonio, also 19. Both of the murdered youths were beaten to death in the dormitory they'd shared with their reputed killer. The motive, apparently, had been robbery.

Murder victim Eric Plunkett

Thomas W. Minch, another student who had been arrested four months ago, shortly after Eric Plunkett's body was discovered, has been officially cleared. Minch had been quickly released following his arrest when the United States Attorney's office determined that lawmen lacked sufficient evidence to convict him.

The cloud of suspicion that had hung over Minch, however, caused him to withdraw from Gallaudet, returning home where he took a temporary job. School officials spoke of the falsely-accused student as one who is now in need of “healing” in the wake of the false accusation.

Gallaudet students are reported to be much relieved. While the killer's identity remained in doubt, some, in fear for their lives, had withdrawn from the famed university. Such fears doubled February 1 when Benjamin Varner's body was discovered in his room.

He'd been stabbed repeatedly with a four inch paring knife.

Bloody shoes and clothing were found in the suspect's dormitory room. He is reported to have written himself a single check for $600 that had been taken from Varner's checkbook. The cancelled check, according to handwriting experts, had been penned by someone other than Varner.

Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:

Deaf/ Gay Student Murdered at Gallaudet University

Fellow Student is Charged in the Killing of Eric Plunkett

Charges Dropped Against 18-Year Old Alleged Killer

Related Sites:
Anti-Violence Project

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ABC-News reported last night that Joseph Mafnas Mesa, Jr. has confessed to police.