His murder led to the U.S. Government passing new laws regarding hate crimes.
His mother is a prime force behind the "Matthew Shepard Foundation", which supports diversity and tolerance in youth organizations. The group was founded, in December 1998, by Dennis Shepard and Judy Shepard, in memory of Matthew.
Died after being brutally beaten to death in the night of October 6th
in Laramie, Wyoming. He was found around 6pm, 18 hours after being
victim of a brutal attack in a gay hate crime.