Louisiana man indicted for attempting to kidnap and murder gay men through Grindr

A Louisiana man on Thursday was indicted and charged with attempting to murder a gay man and plotting to kidnap and murder other gay men through the dating app Grindr.

According to a press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Chance Seneca, 19, has been charged with six counts including hate crime, kidnapping, firearm and obstruction charges.

Seneca allegedly attempted to kidnap a man in June and successfully kidnapped two others by using Grindr. He targeted these men because of their gender and sexual orientation, according to the release.

The DOJ alleges that Seneca intended to murder at least one of the men, dismember the body and keep parts of it for trophies and food.

Seneca faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on kidnapping and obstruction charges.

“The reports of the attempted murder in Louisiana are beyond disturbing. This is yet another reminder of the hatred and violence faced by all-too-many people in the LGBTQ+ community, despite the many advances across the globe. We stand ready to assist local authorities with their investigation of this matter,” Grindr said in a statement to The Hill.

The company encouraged its users to practice safety, pointing to its security guide. It also asked users to report any “improper or illegal behavior” with the app or to help@grindr.com.

According to local station KATC, Seneca allegedly choked one of his victims with a chord and slit his wrists, leaving him in a coma for several days.

Seneca’s attorney, Clay LeJeune, told the station they intended to plead not guilty to the hate crime charges.

“I haven’t seen any indication of evidence that this was a hate crime, but ultimately the state will have to produce that,” LeJeune said in January.

Updated 8:22 p.m.