Matthew Shepard Is Interred at the National Cathedral Since his murder 20 years ago in Laramie, WY, Shepard has become a symbol for the gay rights movement. In a hate crime that shocked the U.S., He died five days later from his injuries. On Friday, his ashes were placed in a crypt at the Washington National Cathedral. Dennis Shepard, Matthew's father, via NPR The public service was led by the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde and the Right Rev. Gene Robinson. Robinson is the first openly gay man elected to be bishop in the Episcopal Church. Shepard's death led to the Shepard/Byrd Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Passed in 2009,
