Former Death Row Inmate Transitions and Sparks Controversy in Newsweek Profile
Former death row inmate Steven Joseph Hayes, now Linda Mai Lee, faces controversy after a Newsweek profile highlights her transition while downplaying past crimes.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., addressed the NCAA's policy on transgender female athletes in women's sports during an appearance on 'The Faulkner Focus.'
Newsweek's profile of former death row inmate Steven Joseph Hayes, who is transitioning to a woman named Linda Mai Lee, has drawn criticism as a "puff piece." Hayes was sentenced to death in 2010 for the brutal murder of a Connecticut mother and her two daughters during a burglary attempt. His death sentence was commuted to life without parole in 2015.
In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Hayes, now Lee, expressed that for the first time in life, she feels "comfortable living as a woman" and is "happy to be alive." However, the article has faced backlash due to the heinous nature of her past crimes.
Critics have voiced outrage, noting the details of Hayes' criminal actions, which included holding a family hostage and committing rape before murdering the mother and two children. Civil liberties attorney Laura Powell commented on the disparity between the nature of the crimes and the presentation in the Newsweek article.
Live Action founder Lila Rose criticized the portrayal, saying, “A man convicted for the murder and rape of a mother and her two young daughters has a puff piece in Newsweek today about how happy he is now that he has 'transitioned.'”
Author Helen Joyce echoed similar sentiments, questioning the focus on Lee's happiness given the brutality of her actions.
In response to the backlash, Lee described the murders as “wrong on every level” and suggested that her past behavior was influenced by addiction and gender identity struggles. She postulated that earlier acceptance of her identity might have spared the victims' lives.
