4 hours ago
Black Lesbian Couple in Virginia Survives Brutal Attack Now Investigated as Potential Hate Crime
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A Black lesbian couple from Richmond, Virginia, is recovering from a harrowing ordeal after what authorities are calling a "potential hate crime" in rural Spotsylvania County. On the evening of July 20, Amylah Majors and her wife, Jamaria Gaskins, were traveling to visit family when their car hit debris and they pulled over on Partlow Road, a rural stretch in the county. What began as a routine roadside stop quickly spiraled into a nightmare that has shocked both the local community and national LGBTQ+ advocates .
According to statements made by Majors and verified by law enforcement reports, soon after pulling over, the couple was approached by three white individuals who emerged from a nearby residence. Initially, a man gave them a thumbs up—a gesture Majors interpreted as a sign of help. Instead, the situation escalated rapidly as the individuals began shouting racial slurs, brandishing weapons, and making threats .
As the women attempted to leave, the assailants pursued them in vehicles, with one reportedly riding a four-wheeler and pointing a firearm directly at Majors through the driver's window. In a desperate bid to escape, the couple sped off but soon crashed, resulting in Majors being ejected from the car. She sustained life-threatening injuries, including a fractured spine, broken clavicle, broken rib, a severe concussion, and multiple head wounds that required staples . Gaskins, though physically less seriously injured, was left traumatized by the violence and threats.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and has since launched a hate crime investigation. Major Delbert Myrick of the department acknowledged widespread community concern, stating, “We understand the community’s outrage, or concerns or anxiety over this incident and similar incidents that have arisen in the community... we ensure them that we’re taking it seriously and we will examine this or thoroughly investigate this crime and present it to the Commonwealth Attorney’s office to make sure due diligence and justice is done” .
Two suspects, identified as Mark Goodman (age 59) and Elizabeth Wolfrey (age 32), have been charged with misdemeanors thus far—Goodman with indecent exposure and Wolfrey with pointing and brandishing a firearm. Wolfrey is alleged to have directly threatened the couple with a gun, while Goodman was recorded exposing himself during the confrontation . Authorities say additional charges, including possible hate crime enhancements, are under consideration as the investigation continues .
Ryan Mehaffey, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Spotsylvania County, has assured the public that the case is receiving his office’s full attention. Local chapters of the NAACP and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are closely monitoring the proceedings and calling for a robust legal response that recognizes the hate-motivated nature of the attack .
The attack on Majors and Gaskins has reignited conversations about the safety of Black LGBTQ+ people, particularly in rural settings where both racism and anti-LGBTQ+ prejudice can intersect with deadly consequences. National organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and local grassroots groups, have renewed calls for stronger hate crime statutes and better support for victims of bias-motivated violence .
For Majors and Gaskins, the journey to recovery is just beginning. In a public statement shared on social media and fundraising platforms, Majors underscored the trauma they endured and the need for accountability: “We were chased, threatened with firearms, and called racial slurs by three white individuals who acted as if they were part of a white supremacist group... Healing is not linear. Justice, even less so” .
As the investigation unfolds, advocacy groups emphasize the importance of visibility and solidarity for Black LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination and violence. The case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for inclusive, intersectional action to ensure community safety and justice.
