Jon Buice, ringleader in 1991 Houston hate crime, up for parole

Paul Broussard in 1991 (left) and Jon Buice today (right)

Almost exactly twenty-one years ago, on July 3, 1991, ten young men from The Woodlands, TX drove to Houston's historically LGBT neighborhood to "beat up some queers." By the end of the night one gay man, Paul Broussard, would lie dying, bleeding onto the sidewalk from the wounds that would later claim his life.

The Woodlands ten, as the group would come to be known, drove through the streets of Houston's Montrose neighborhood asking strangers if they knew the location of a popular gay bar. Broussard, friendly and trusting enough to help a stranger, gave the men directions, marking him as the randomly selected target of their hate.

Attacked with steel-toed boots, nail-studded 2x4's, and a knife, Broussard suffering abrasions, a broken rib, bruised testicles and three stab wounds. His attackers rummaged through his pockets for souvenirs, while his wounds bled.

Now Jon Buice, the man who held the knife that night, is up for parole.

Equality Texas joins a coalition of concerned citizens and elected officials asking the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to ensure Buice completes his sentence. All ten men responsible for Broussard's brutal death were convicted for their crimes, but only Buice, the man who repeatedly stabbed Broussard, remains behind bars.

Broussard and his mother, Nancy Rodriguez

Paul Broussard died because Jon Buice and his friends thought that no-one would mourn the death of a "queer."

Paul Broussard died because Jon Buice and his friends thought it was entertaining to beat, kick and stab another human being for no reason other than he was gay.

Paul Broussard died because Jon Buice and his friends refused to acknowledge that LGBT people have families and friends and communities where they are loved and needed...

...and missed.

Please join Equality Texas and people from around the state in contacting the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles and asking them to ensure Jon Buice completes the sentence he received for the brutal murder of Paul Broussard that balmy June night.

You may contact the Board at:

State of Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Review and Release Processing
TDCJ Parole Division
PO Box 13401
Austin, TX  78711

Please reference: Jon Buice (TDCJ #630496)

You can view Equality Texas' letter to the board here.

Comments

[Anthony Cashmere]

Dear God,
Please smite that hate monster, Jon Buice, once and for all!!!