[kevcol]

why does this smell of a hoax as so many others have been?

Its unfortuneate, but true due to the attention-whore incidents of the past few years. Seems to be a behavioral trait that comes with the lifestyle. Could be a hoax or mutilation by a scorned gay lover who attacked, but immediately after "reconciled" and the two devised a "hate crime" story to explain what happened.

[scottjewell]

You could be right. In any case, I trust cops will do their work and get to the bottom of it. I cannot believe the media is jumping all over something that reeks of self-inflicted prank as though it is believable in any way, shape, or form. And a vigil already? They should’ve sat on it until it was confirmed. Somehow, do not think it will be.