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

Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, charged in the death of three women, talks with one of his lawyers from the Public Defender’s Office, October 31, 2019. Photo by Mitsu Yasukawa/ Northjersey.com)

“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…