rights
Teen allegedly stabbed his gay dad to death in horrific attack
By Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation
· June 3, 2026
· 1 min read
In Columbus, Ohio, police have charged an unnamed 17-year-old with murder and felony assault for lethally stabbing his adoptive father and severely injuring his father's husband. The stabbing occurred on Sunday, May 24, killing 58-year-old Mark Rayburn-Velco and severely injuring his husband, Brent
Why this matters
The brutal attack on Mark Rayburn-Velco and his husband Brent in Columbus, Ohio, highlights the ongoing vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals and families to violence and hate. This incident, which resulted in the tragic death of Rayburn-Velco, is a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by the community, even within their own homes. The fact that the alleged perpetrator is the victim's own son raises complex questions about the intersection of family dynamics, societal attitudes, and the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to examine the motivations behind the attack and whether they were fueled by anti-LGBTQ+ bias. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other advocacy groups may play a key role in monitoring the case and pushing for justice and support for the affected family. The Trevor Project's crisis line may also be a vital resource for LGBTQ+ youth struggling with their own identities and family relationships.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 3, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In Columbus, Ohio, police have charged an unnamed 17-year-old with murder and felony assault for lethally stabbing his adoptive father and severely injuring his father's husband. The stabbing occurred on Sunday, May 24, killing 58-year-old Mark Rayburn-Velco and severely injuring his husband, Brent
When was this published? This article was first published on June 3, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Daniel Villarreal 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 .