Sketches released of suspects in activist's murder

NEW YORK (WABC) -- It's been more than three months since prominent gay rights activist Lou Rispoli, described as wholly non-violent, was violently beaten on a street in Queens.

He died several days later.

Three men did it. Tuesday night his loved ones were out posting sketches of the suspects, hoping to find the killers.

Danyel Lawson handed out fliers on a cold, gray day in Sunnyside today, desperate to find a killer who is still out there and still dangerous.

"You have to have a lot of hate and rage in you, and I just feel that's evil, they just found him that night," Lawson said.

62-year-old Louis Rispoli was beaten to death on 42nd Street in Queens last October.

Finally on Friday, police released two sketches of men they believe responsible for the murder.

What took so long? According to the city councilman from the neighborhood, police dropped the ball on the investigation.

"The evidence collection vehicle should have been there right away, the neighborhood canvassed, and it wasn't," Said City Councilman Jimmy van Bramer.

36 crucial hours passed before a serious investigation was started, and now the trail has grown cold.

"The saddest thing is that he's not here anymore," said Elizabeth, a friend and co-worker of the victim, "Not knowing who did this to him and why they did this to him is very frustrating."

Danyel Lawson and Louis Rispoli were partners for 30 years.

"It's much harder now even than a few months ago, hopefully it doesn't happen to somebody else," Lawson said.

---
Get Eyewitness News Delivered

Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters | Text Alerts

Get more New York News »

new york city, murder, new york news, jim dolan

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•