Ryan Skipper

Ryan Skipper

Ryan Keith Skipper (April 28, 1981 - March 14, 2007) was an American man from Polk County, Florida who was murdered on March 14, 2007 in what authorities declared a hate crime. Skipper's body was discovered on March 15 along a roadside in Wahneta, Florida. Two men were arrested in connection with the crime: William David Brown Jr., and Joseph Bearden, 20 and 21 years old at the time of the incident, respectively. The men were charged with first-degree murder and robbery.

Bearden was convicted of second degree murder in addition to four additional counts on February 27, 2009. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder charge, two 15-year terms and two five-year terms, all to be served concurrently, on the remaining four charges.

Brown claimed he killed Skipper in retaliation for unwanted sexual advances. He was found guilty by a Polk County jury and sentenced to life in prison without parole.