Cazares could take stand
By Ivan Delventhal, STAFF WRITER

HAYWARD -- A Newark man charged along with two friends in the beating and strangling of a transgender teenager in October 2002 is expected to take the witness stand this week as the murder trial of the three men resumes after a two-week break.

Defendant Jason Cazares, 24, will testify on his own behalf, according to his attorney, J. Tony Serra. Serra says he plans to call four other witnesses.

"(Cazares) has wanted to tell his side of the story since he's been arrested," Serra said in his opening statement on April 14.

Attorneys for the two other defendants, Michael Magidson of Fremont and Jose Merel of Newark, both 24, have not said whether their clients will testify in the case, though it appears unlikely that they will.


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Baylor student disciplined for gay rights rally
By: Associated Press

Waco (AP) -- A Baylor University student disciplined for violating the Baptist school's conduct code by organizing an off-campus gay rights rally graduated today.

Twenty-two-year-old Darrin Adams says he doubts he would have received his diploma if he hadn't admitted his wrongdoing.

Adams discovered last month that Baylor was charging him with misconduct for organizing the March rally in downtown Waco.

A letter from an administrator said the event was, "part of an advocacy group that promotes understandings of sexuality that are contrary" to biblical teachings, Baptist beliefs and Baylor's Christian mission.