Khalil Wheeler-Weaver and the Absence of Sympathy for Black Women
Wheeler-Weaver highlights a bigger issue when it comes to the livelihood of Black women
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“He doesn’t look like someone who would do something like that”.
This is a common phrase assumption of Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, a young man in his early 20s who is being charged for the murder of three women and attempted murder a fourth woman. He stands with his back straight and his chin up. Often described as good looking, his black rectangular glasses and clean button-up shirts mimic the image of a graduate student. Even during his questioning in regards to the murder of Robin West, police thought him to be mannerly, compliant, and calm.
However, if America has learned anything from past notorious serial killers, it is that anyone can pass as ‘normal’ and put on a calm facade for the sake of getting through questioning from the police. Wheeler-Weaver is being charged with 11 criminal counts, including three counts of murder, kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, desecration of human remains, attempted murder, and one count of aggravated arson.
Wheeler-Weaver’s alleged killings all took place within a span of three months, from September to October 2016. His trials finally began in October of this year. During the trial, it was noted that these three women had strikingly similar characteristics that likely led Wheeler-Weaver to believe he could escape any major consequences to his actions.
The Life of a Black Woman
The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.
— Malcolm X
The similarities between Wheeler-Weaver’s victims are not coincidental. Prosecutors took note…
