safety
These brothers bragged about killing a gay man. 40 years later, they're finally facing justice.
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· July 14, 2026
· 3 min read
Two men were turned in by their younger brother decades after they ambushed a man that they thought was gay and bragged about "queer bashing" him. The victim died alone late at night on May 1, 1984, in a deserted London alley after being struck twice in the head with a heavy object. "There is no evi
Key takeaway " Related He took part in a grisly Palm Springs murder almost 20 years ago.
Why this matters
The sentencing of Michael and Anthony Stewart for the 1984 murder of Anthony Littler highlights the long-standing issue of violence against perceived LGBTQ+ individuals in the US and abroad. This case, although occurring in London, has implications for the national conversation on LGBTQ+ safety in the US, where legal protections and policies vary significantly by state. The fact that the brothers targeted Littler because they believed him to be gay, regardless of his actual orientation, underscores the dangers of homophobic violence. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other organizations have long advocated for increased protections and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in areas where they are most vulnerable to violence. The use of covert investigation techniques, including listening devices, to bring the Stewarts to justice also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in preventing and responding to hate crimes, and the importance of resources like the Trevor Project crisis line in supporting those affected by such violence.
About this story
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Two men were turned in by their younger brother decades after they ambushed a man that they thought was gay and bragged about "queer bashing" him. The victim died alone late at night on May 1, 1984, in a deserted London alley after being struck twice in the head with a heavy object. "There is no evi
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen 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 safety coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .