Aaron McKinney 245in x 45in. oil pastels, graphite on paper. 2004

A jury found Aaron McKinney guilty of the felony murder of Matthew Sheppard. His case followed the plea bargain of Russell Henderson, who pleaded guilty to murder and kidnapping charges and is serving two consecutive life sentences in a Wyoming prison.

Defense attorneys had argued that Aaron experienced “gay panic,” bought on by an advance from 21-year-old Matthew.