Two young women believed to be in a romantic relationship were apparently shot by a mysterious assailant in Portland, Texas Friday night. The two teenagers were found in tall grass on a park overlook in the small town near Corpus Christi, where one of the two victims attended school.
Portland Police Chief Randy Wright confirmed the identities of the two girls as Mollie Judith Olgin, a 19 year old student at Texas A&M, was declared dead; Mary Christine Chapa, 18, was taken to a nearby hospital where she is said to be in serious but stable condition.
Friends of the girls have said that Olgin and Chapa began dating five months ago. Samantha Garrett, Olgin’s roommate, said that the couple had not received any threats or hateful remarks about their new relationship. Garrett said:
I’ve been trying to think of anybody I know that would try and hurt them for any reason and not one person comes to mind.
Cleve Jones, a gay rights activist, made note of the timing of the crime, which happened during Pride weekend.
Last Friday, as millions of LGBT people and their allies were celebrating Pride, something awful happened in Portland, Texas. We need to respond publicly to this tragedy. Whoever shot Mary Christine Chapa and Mollie Judith Olgin, whatever the motive, regardless of where it happened, two beautiful girls were shot and one was killed. We need to honor the memory of Mollie and pray for the recovery of Mary.
Chief Wright said that although the events did seem more like measured attacks than a random action, they were not currently investigating the murder as a hate crime:
That’s always something that we’re looking for, but as of this point, we have not been able to establish that that had anything to do with the attack.
Police believe that the women’s attacker led them down a trail into tall grass before shooting them with a large-caliber handgun. A witness reported seeing a dark-colored vehicle leave the scene. They hope to interview Mary Kristene Chapa when she is recovered and able to communicate with the authorities.
This case may have nothing to do with hate crimes. As of yet… the police have no motives. So do you think it was just a random person who shot these two girl….maybe a jealous lover? Is it just a coincidence that they happen to be lesbians and in Texas?
Regardless of the motive…this murder is tragic just like ANY murder.
