CLEWISTON — On Dec. 23, 2021, Marcus Thompson was arrested in the connection of the violent homicide of Bolman “Bee Love” Slater. Detectives with Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit  continue to seek out information and look for potential evidence related to this crime.

Detectives have organized a massive dive expedition to search a canal along the northbound lanes of U.S.27, north of the City of Clewiston. Detectives have reached out to several South Florida Law Enforcement partners to assist in the search of evidence related to the Slater homicide. Agencies involved in the  search are: Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC), and Cape Coral Police Department.

More than approximately 75 personnel to include over 50 divers are involved with this search. Each law enforcement agency involved in this search is providing manpower and tens of thousands of equipment to assist the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office.

“This was a heinous crime,” said Sheriff Steve Whidden. “Our detectives with the Major Crimes Unit are relentless. We are going to continue to follow up on every lead we get. We want justice for Slater; and closure for the family.”

The Pahokee resident was murdered on Sept. 4, 2019.

A 2019 story, written by Trudy King of The Advocate (advocate.com) detailed the death:

Report from Advocate

“Florida transgender woman Bee Love Slater was found burned to death — beyond recognition — in a car last Wednesday.

“Friends say they believe she was targeted because of her identity.

“Slater, of Pahokee, was found in the town of Clewiston, about 30 miles away. It took investigators from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office until Friday to publicly identify her. Her identity was first reported by NewNowNext.

“But a close friend of hers, Kenard Wade, said he was sure she was the victim as soon as he saw photos of her burned-out car.

“ ‘That’s her car,’ he told Fort Myers TV station WINK. ‘I know that. I know her car.’ “He said she knew someone wanted to harm her, and she wanted to get away.

“Another friend, Desmond Vereen, told TV station WBBH that he thinks Slater’s identity was a motive in the crime. ‘I feel like she was targeted because of her lifestyle,’ he said. Vereen, who organized a vigil held Friday in Slater’s memory, described her as ‘a people person.’

“ ‘She loved to be around people and meeting new people too because of her new lifestyle that she transitioned into,’ he said.

“Despite the assertions of Slater’s friends, investigators with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office say they have yet to determine a motive for the crime, but they did say it’s one of the most brutal murders they’ve ever seen.

“Anyone with information is asked to call the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office at 863-674-5600 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-8477.

“Constant reports of violence against our community are difficult to read, especially as we continue to face historic rates. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you can reach out to the Anti-Violence Project’s free bilingual (English/ Spanish) national hotline at (212) 714-1141 or report online for support.”

Click onto the  links below for previous news articles on this news story.

Arrest made in Bee Love death

Moore Haven man arrested in connection with Bee Love case