A Marine veteran charged with stabbing Indiana University professor to death in his kitchen last December appeared in court Monday afternoon for a hearing that lasted just minutes.

Special Judge Vi Taliaferro presided over the pretrial hearing, during which nothing happened —except that a new hearing was set for 1:30 p.m. Aug. 16.

It’s a strange thing to just go on with life, as one has to. Although this site may not always have constant activity, Don remains on our minds and in our hearts. We did get a comment about a memorial service on April 29 in Shippensburg, but it had been designated as spam, and I wasn’t able to find it / publish it in time. If anyone there would like to email us or post about the service we’d love to see it.

Next week, Wed. May 5, there will be a Celebration of Don Belton’s Life in Literature. This event, organized by Don’s students and Christoph Irmscher, will be held in the Slocum Room of the LILLY LIBRARY, from 7-8 on the IU Bloomington campus.

The celebration will consist of readings from Don’s published and unpublished writing.  A reception will follow.

A public reading of Don’s work has been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, May 5th, from 6:00-9:00 p.m.  The reading is currently scheduled to take place on the IU campus in the Lilly Library.

The administrators of this site will post again to confirm the date and time of this reading as soon as they receive confirmation.  More details to follow.

We wanted to alert you to the availability of some documents and websites of possible interest:

Most important, the resolution entered into the minutes of the Bloomington Faculty Council is available online:

http://www.indiana.edu/~bfc/docs/circulars/09-10/B11-2010.pdf

In addition, the following materials (rather dated at this point, but worth archiving here) appeared in the immediate weeks following Don’s death.  Those of us in Bloomington will likely want to keep these (mostly national) news organizations aware of the trial proceedings as they develop.

GLAAD blog:

http://glaadblog.org/2010/01/04/indiana-university-english-professor-don-belton-stabbed-and-killed-vigil-held-in-his-honor/

Democracy Now (clip):

http://www.democracynow.org/2010/1/4/headlines

NPR:

http://topics.npr.org/article/0bTs73FazQgPg

Midwest Marines:

http://midwestmarines.posterous.com/?tag=donbelton

We spoke with Prosecutor Bob Miller today to find out more about the pre-trial conference happening at the Monroe County Courthouse on Monday, March 1.

It is scheduled for 1 pm and is open to the public. Anyone attending should ask a bailiff which courtroom it is in.

A pretrial conference is “just a status conference,” according to Miller. “It’s unlikely that anything of import will transpire.”

Miller said the prosecutor’s office is still collecting evidence, going over the coroner’s report, and scheduling depositions, etc. “It’s still very early in the process,” he said.

Monday’s pretrial conference is simply ” a report to the court that we’re making progress,”
after which another conference will be set for about 6 weeks later.

Miller estimates that the entire conference will take no more than 5 minutes.

Yesterday, Don’s family and friends were to have held a planned memorial service for Don.  I assume, and hope, that everything went off as expected, and that it was a memorable event.  If any of this site’s readers were able to attend and would like to share their impressions here, we would welcome news of that event, and any other information about upcoming events that celebrate Don’s life and work.

I want to add as a personal note that, yesterday, one of my current students, who was also one of Don’s former students, came by my office hours.  We were chatting about other things when the conversation turned to Don.  This particular student is having a difficult go of things this semester, in large part because she deeply misses Don, who was (no surprise) an important mentor for her, who encouraged her work and, as she put it, changed her life forever by being one of her favorite instructors.

At one point, this student wondered aloud whether or not Don considered her “just another student.”  This immediately struck me as impossible.  Did Don consider any of us “just another” anything?  I have to say that I really don’t think so, and I don’t think I am idealizing Don’s memory by saying so.  I don’t know that I would say it about many people, but it does seem to me that Don probably did celebrate his students, each and every one, a little more than most.   His absence on this campus continues to be felt.

I.U. English Department graduate student, Caroline Diggins, will be reading from Don’s essay “Voodoo for Charles” at the Black History Month Art Fair, Wed. Feb 10^th 2010 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Indiana University Neal-Marshall Black Cultural Center Grand Hall.  The theme for this event is “Expressions of the Soul.”  For more information, contact the center at omsld@indiana.edu

In the coming weeks, we know that many of us will be reading Don’s work for the first time, or returning to our favorite of his pieces, or those we remember having liked but perhaps haven’t read lately.  A commenter wrote in to say that a group of people in San Francisco were gathering to read and discuss Don’s work together.  Another has issued a call for papers for a conference panel, to be devoted to Don’s work at next year’s MLA conference in Los Angeles.  Here in Bloomington, a public reading of Don’s work is planned for later in the semester.  This weekend, the Bloomington Pride Film Festival was dedicated to Don.

His picture appears in the Festival program, and yesterday afternoon (Saturday), a panel discussion convened, after a screening of the film “Out in the Silence,” so that we might come together as a community to consider how and why different GLBTQI people inhabit, thrive, survive, and die in small towns.

Things on this site have slowed down a bit, but I know that for many of us, Don is constantly in our passing, and more concentrated, thoughts.  I write to encourage you to share your thoughts of Don in the coming weeks, those that will bring both the memorial service in Philadelphia (see previous post) and Michael Griffin’s trial.  If you find yourself reading Don’s work and have thoughts to share, we invite you to share them here.  If you have thoughts about the way in which Don’s life and death resonate in larger conversations, other stories and circumstances, this might be a place to share those.

It is our hope that the site continues to be a place for vibrant conversation, even as the immediate shock, outrage, and grief over Don’s death begins to shade into some other complex set of feelings, attitudes, and emotions.  I know many of us still want to talk about Don, and remember him. But this site might also be a place for those of us who never met Don to meet him now–through his work.

If any of you have links to Don’s work or other materials available–either by Don or about Don’s literary legacy and life–I urge you to post them here (I have heard of an interview in which Don is a participant but haven’t been able to locate it).

With thanks to everyone who has already visited this site.

…Bloomington’s famous theater, the Buskirk-Chumley, featured pictures of Don in its glass window to publicize the fact that this year’s PRIDE film festival is dedicated to his memory.

Hundreds more people, including those who traveled from neighboring cities, got to learn about Don Belton this weekend.

The residents of Bloomington, Indiana are deeply saddened by the loss of Don Belton, a gifted writer and a warm, generous man who was loved by everyone who met him.

A memorial service will be held Friday, January 15, at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 2120 North Fee Lane.

photo courtesy of IU

Belton, 53, was stabbed to death by a friend and was discovered in his own kitchen on the morning of December 28, 2009.

A candlelight vigil took place at the Courthouse Square, January 1 at 5 pm. Hundreds of people braved below-freezing temperatures to honor this extraordinary man. There are many pictures and coverage of the Don Belton vigil. The Pourhouse Cafe, which was closed for the holiday, donated hot drinks to participants.

Additional memorial services are being planned for the coming weeks.

We remember Don as a kind person and a caring person. He was hilariously funny and often the life of the party. He was excited to be in a new tenure-track position as a professor of creative writing at Indiana University, a job that finally gave him some security for the work he had been doing for years. Yet Don was someone who did not limit his relationships to campus: He preferred to be a real part of the entire community in which he lived, was a friend to many people of all backgrounds and ages, and in his short time in Bloomington had already planted some substantial roots.

Police have arrested 25-year-old Michael James Griffin in Belton’s death. This Web site hopes to honor Don Belton’s memory, but it’s also a place to monitor the progress of the criminal case and the media coverage of this horrific act of violence against a member of our community.

In these early days after Belton’s death, we are concerned by the way the story is taking shape*.  Hateful, racist, and homophobic remarks have been circulating on messaging boards under articles about Don’s murder. Don was African American and openly gay, and much of his creative work dealt with the intersections of those identities.

Griffin, who is to be arraigned on Wednesday, December 30, has alleged that Don Belton sexually assaulted him—twice—on Christmas day in Griffin’s home. Two days later, Griffin reportedly went to Don’s house—with his knife–to demand an apology. The Herald Times is reporting that When Belton would not accept Griffin’s accusations, Griffin stabbed him several times, “until he quit moving.”

While we do not wish to polarize the community, we do want law enforcement to understand that there is a long, established history of suspects invoking a claim of sexual assault and/or a “gay panic” defense to get charges reduced or to win over a jury when the victim was a gay person. This is a tactic that has had some success over the years but is increasingly being recognized for what it is: a defense that plays to societal bias and prejudice and is not a justifiable excuse for murder.

We are urging Bloomington Police and the District Attorney to reject any notion that Griffin’s claim of sexual assault weakens their case for murder.  Please note: we have been informed that Prosecutor Robert Miller is the best person to contact with info regarding the case. He can be reached at rtmiller@co.monroe.in.us and needs to hear from people who can testify to Don’s character and non-violent nature. Anyone with information about Don’s relationship with Michael Griffin should also contact Mr. Miller.

We aim to connect Bloomington law enforcement with prosecutors who have successfully tried similar cases and with anti-violence groups and advocates familiar with the nuances of this type of violence.  We also hope readers will write letters and make calls to local law enforcementurging them to remain vigilant about collecting evidence and exploring all possible motives, including a bias-related motive. By legal definition, Hate crimes do not only happen among strangers; often there is a pre-existing relationship and other factors involved. (it should be noted that Indiana does not have a hate crimes statute).

Our intent is to help educate Bloomington law enforcement so that they are in the best possible position to protect their citizens. If such scenarios become acceptable defenses for murder, then nobody in the Bloomington is safe. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of Michael Griffin. That Michael felt he had no other recourse but to commit murder is a tragedy.

We also hope to fill in the gaps about the real Don Belton. Because this crime occurred over the holidays when many people were out of town–and because Don had just moved to a new neighborhood a few blocks from where he used to live—early news articles seemed to suggest that he was not as well-known and well-loved as he was. Contributors to this site may recall and post their memories of Don here; they will show up underneath this informational page. Please note: updated news will appear under this post, so readers should scroll down for more recent info.

Some news articles also seem to imply that Don and Michael were simply acquaintances. The Herald Times recently published an article describing Don Belton and Michael Griffin as having a “brief, conflicted” relationship, an inference that is not supported by evidence.  Many people remember Michael and his girlfriend developing a strong bond with Don Belton as long ago as last summer. The couple, who sometimes did yard work for English faculty, often remarked to Don’s colleagues that they were fond of him and that he was becoming a good friend. This bond is demonstrated by the fact that they invited Don to their home on Christmas Day, and this type of committed friendship was typical of Don.

Additionally, reporting or providing sound bites that “an incident occurred” between the men on Christmas Day is not responsible journalism. Don is not here to tell his story. The media needs to be aware that how they report on this story is critical to ensuring that justice is done.  This is not the sensationalized story of a man who had a chance encounter with a random person. This is the story of a promising writer with many friends who was unfortunately betrayed by one of them.

[* as one commenter has mentioned, media coverage has become much more balanced recently. Though not always entirely accurate in summarizing friends' points of view, we appreciate the effort.]

The public should know that despite previous media reports, Don’s biological family is alive and has been reached thanks to the work of his local friends. The family loved Don very much and they are hoping to have their voices heard and stories told.

Hundreds of people braved the below-freezing temperatures on New Years Day to honor Don Belton at a candlelight vigil at the Monroe County Courthouse.

Below is some coverage of the event:

WTHR article about candlelight vigil

Herald Times photo gallery of vigil

Herald Times article about vigil

Channel 8 coverage

Thank you to everyone who attended. It was wonderful to see so many people there.

We think it’s worth noting that while Indiana University has issued a statement about Don Belton’s “death,” the university still has not publicly acknowledged that he has been killed.

A memorial service for Don Belton will be held Friday, January 15, at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 2120 North Fee Lane. Friends also hope to have an event in the spring that focuses exclusively on Don’s literary life.

The latest IU Newsroom release not only acknowledges that Don Belton was killed but features some great photos from the candlelight vigil.

As far as we know this comes through the university communications dept., not from any particular IU office.

Thank you ever so much to photographer Kip May for forwarding along these very recent photos of Don Belton.

Kip May took a series of pictures of Don on Dec 26, 2009. Don had met with Kip at Kip’s studio to learn how to use his brand new camera, which we imagine he had intended to take to Hawaii with him. Edited to add: according to a friend, Don purchased his camera for a new writing project he was working on. He was going to take pictures and write stories about them.

Don Belton on Dec 26, photo by Kip May

Don Belton, Dec 26, photo by Kip May

Although the IU English Dept. had already issued an early statement about Don, it has since posted a new and powerful statement on the front page of its web site which can be found here.

An official statement from the IU provost was released Monday, January 11:

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,

As the campus begins the new semester, we must acknowledge a terrible loss.
Some of you may just now be returning to campus after the holidays, and I am
very sad to inform you that the Indiana University community lost a dear
colleague during the semester break.

Don Belton, a faculty member in the English Department, was slain at his home
in Bloomington on December 27. (An arrest has been made in the case.)

In his relatively brief time at IUB, Professor Belton earned the admiration
and affection of his colleagues and students.

Continue Reading »

A few people have passed along or mentioned this Inside Higher Ed column, which discusses and references Don’s work, life, and death.

Also, there is a piece at historiann.com that discusses the response to Don’s death, the nuances that get lost in such responses, and the concept of ‘justice’ and what it may mean for Don.

There has been some smart discussion recently about what ‘Justice’ may mean for Don. This website is but one response, and hopefully will serve as a clearinghouse for various voices who were touched by Don. We recognize that speculation is simultaneously natural and somewhat pointless. We do believe the concept of ‘Justice’ is up for discussion and hope that we have in some small way, rather than reducing him to a ‘case’ or ’cause,’ allowed the real Don to shine through, regardless of the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

See you at the memorial on Friday.

A memorial service for Don Belton will be held tonight, January 15, at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 2120 North Fee Lane.

Sometimes, things go wrong.  But remember: you don’t have to go with them.

At Friday evening’s memorial service for Don Belton, held at the Bloomington, IN Unitarian Universalist Church, this advice sat at the center of a story relayed by Don’s brother, Wayne.

It was a story about the move to Hollins College—from which Don received an M.A. in 1982—and the unexpectedly long road it took to get there, with a sports car up front and a hitched U-Haul trailer (“full of Don’s myriad collection of books”) pulling up the rear.  Wayne, standing tall and elegant with a red handkerchief tucked snugly into his suit pocket, explained:  it might have been that someone gave them bad directions; it might have been that they followed good directions badly.  Either way, a six hour trip turned into one lasting “more than twelve,” with the remarkable result that it was deemed, by everyone, not just a memorable but even a pleasing, an enjoyable, a good trip.  What ought to have been a fiasco had turned into something other than.  Things go wrong.  But you?  You can go otherwise.

more about the memorial service…
Continue Reading »

This just in from commenter Andy:

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues of Don Belton,

There is a tribute schedule for Philadelphia on Wednesday, February 24th from 6-8pm. The tribute with be held at The Moonstone Arts Center, 110A S. 13th Street, between Chestnut and Sansom Streets in Center City, along with the support of Art Sanctuary. Please show your support by spreading the word.

Thank You.

admin note: there may be other memorials planned for this area; we will update as information comes in.