Police believe gay man slaying in Oklahoma is part of gang initiation

An alleged racist was accused of killing a gay man. Authorities believe the murder may have been a gang initiation.

Photo: Police believe gay man slaying in Oklahoma is part of gang initiation

Darrell Lynn Madden was charged on Wednesday with the October slaying of Steven Domer, 62. Madden also is charged with murder in the death of his friend, Bradley Qualls.

Authorities allege Madden, 37, and Qualls, 26, were connected to the white supremacist group United Aryan Brotherhood. According to an affidavit filed with the latest charge, Domer's death apparently was meant to be the violent act that earned a place in the gang for Qualls.

Domer, who friends said was gay, was last seen Oct. 26 near a car wash, according to court papers. A witness said Domer had been talking to two men who matched the description of Madden and Qualls.

Domer's car was found the next day near Madden's home, according to an affidavit from Oklahoma City police Detective Kenneth Whitebird. Madden's roommate told police he heard Madden and another man describing an encounter with someone who "wouldn't even fight back," while a woman Madden had dated said she overheard him and Qualls talk about killing a man.

Madden will not face a hate crime charge because sexual orientation is not covered under Oklahoma law, prosecutors said.

Qualls died about 10 days after Domer's disappearance. Police have said the motive appears to be a disagreement.

District attorney offices in Carter and Oklahoma counties, where Madden is charged with murder, said there is no attorney of record for Madden yet.