rights
Killer found guilty of hate crime in stabbing of gay man who was dancing to Beyoncé
By Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation
· June 9, 2026
· 1 min read
Dmitriy Popov, who stabbed gay dancer O'Shae Sibley to death, was found guilty of a hate crime on Monday but was acquitted on the most serious charges he faced. Sibley, 28, was voguing to Beyoncé when he was killed at a gas station in July 2023. Popov, who was 17 at the time, argued at his trial tha
Key takeaway Sibley, 28, was voguing to Beyoncé when he was killed at a gas station in July 2023.
Why this matters
The conviction of Dmitriy Popov for a hate crime in the stabbing of O'Shae Sibley highlights the ongoing issue of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in the US. The fact that Popov and his group used anti-gay and racist slurs during the encounter demonstrates the kind of bigotry that can lead to deadly consequences. The case also underscores the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, particularly when motivated by hate. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other organizations have long advocated for stronger protections against hate crimes, and this case shows why such efforts are crucial. As the LGBTQ+ community continues to face discrimination and violence, it is essential to monitor how law enforcement and the justice system respond to these incidents, and to push for policies that address the root causes of hate-motivated violence. The verdict in this case is a step towards justice, but more work remains to be done.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 9, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Dmitriy Popov, who stabbed gay dancer O'Shae Sibley to death, was found guilty of a hate crime on Monday but was acquitted on the most serious charges he faced. Sibley, 28, was voguing to Beyoncé when he was killed at a gas station in July 2023. Popov, who was 17 at the time, argued at his trial tha
When was this published? This article was first published on June 9, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .