US: Tributes paid to LGBT activist gunned down days before wedding
Tributes have been paid to a Minneapolis LGBT activist who was gunned down this month, shortly before he was set to marry his same-sex partner.
Kelly Phillips, 48, was shot three times and killed on August 11, outside a gas station in Arden Hills, Minnesota.
The marriage equality advocate had been due to marry his fiancé Nathon Bailey this Saturday, and police are looking for his former business partner and life partner Ty Hoffman in connection with his killing.
At a public memorial this week, hundreds paid tribute to Mr Phillips, who was vice-president of Boston Scientific, and the co-owner of Lush Food Bar.
Mr Bailey told Fox: “My name is Nathon Bailey and as difficult and painful as it is for me to be here talking to the public like this, I know it’s a necessity. Kelly Phillips and I were engaged to be married this Saturday.
“Instead, I’ve lost the love of my life and my best friend. The community is also at a loss, too. We’ve lost a leader, a brother, a son, a co-worker and dear, dear friend to so many.
“I feel it by the outpouring of support and love from all of my family and friends and even from people I hadn’t met before all of this and for that I am very grateful.
“I would love it if everybody could be inspired by Kelly, by how Kelly lived his life. Be kind, be gentle, be giving, and care for the person next to you more than you care about yourself. That’s what Kelly did and that’s what we loved and honored about him so very much.”
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office has issued a wanted poster for Hoffman, who is white, 6’2″, and has short brown hair.
A $25,000 reward has been offered for information that leads to his capture, and anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1-800-222-TIPS.
