On April 15, 2023, 22-year-old Joseph Quinton West was found deceased in his San Antonio, Texas, apartment. A concerned friend, unable to reach West, requested a welfare check, leading authorities to discover him face down on his bed with a gunshot wound to the back of his head.
Investigations revealed that West had been using the dating app Grindr to meet individuals.
Evidence indicated that he had communicated with a person later identified as 22-year-old Jer Auntey Bernard Pleasant. Pleasant was also linked to the murder of 54-year-old Larry Wilson, who was fatally shot on April 14, 2023, in a separate incident in San Antonio.
Forensic analysis connected Pleasant to both crime scenes. Spent 9mm shell casings found at each location were matched, and Pleasant's fingerprints were discovered on condom wrappers at both scenes. Additionally, witnesses reported seeing a man matching Pleasant's description fleeing the area after Wilson's shooting.
Authorities arrested Pleasant, who was found in possession of a handgun matching the caliber used in both murders. He was charged with two counts of murder and held on a combined bond of $700,000. The San Antonio Police Department emphasized the dangers associated with meeting individuals through online dating apps, urging users to exercise caution.
The tragic deaths of West and Wilson prompted local LGBTQ+ organizations to call for increased vigilance when using dating apps. They advised meeting in public places, sharing plans with friends or family, and trusting one's instincts to enhance personal safety.
