In a move that feels long overdue–even though it only took two weeks– the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has rejected Ed Buck’s appeal. Let that sink in for a moment. A man who exploited his power, privilege, and wealth to prey on vulnerable Black men, injecting them with deadly drugs for his own twisted pleasure, thought he could maneuver his way out of accountability. But justice said no. And it’s about time.
For too long, Ed Buck’s victims were brushed aside as though their lives didn’t matter. The system failed them until it couldn’t anymore. It took the tragic deaths of Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean – two Black men whose lives were cut short by Buck’s predatory actions and the near death of another man – for the world to finally pay attention. Yet, even as Buck was sentenced, there was a lingering concern: would his wealth and connections allow him to weasel out of the consequences he so richly deserved?
The rejection of his appeal sends a powerful message—not just to Ed Buck but to anyone who believes that their privilege can buy them freedom from responsibility. This case isn’t just about one man. It’s about a system that for far too long overlooked Black lives and dismissed the suffering in our community.
But while this is a victory, we can’t forget that it’s bittersweet. We lost Gemmel and Timothy in the process. Their families and our community still mourn, and no legal decision will bring them back. Buck has left a wake of devastation in the lives of his surviving victims, many of whom are still grappling with the lasting impact of his actions. However, the rejection of Buck’s appeal is a step toward healing. It reinforces the belief that no matter how long justice takes, it can still prevail.
This moment reminds us that advocacy and persistence matter. The only reason Buck was ever held accountable in the first place was because of the tireless work of activists and the families of his victims. They refused to let this case be ignored, silenced, or forgotten. Their work pushed this fight forward—and the community showed up to amplify their voices.
In this victory, we see what can happen when we stand together. But let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. We have to keep pushing for change in a system that still doesn’t fully recognize the value of Black lives, especially those at the intersections of race, poverty, and queerness. This is more than a legal win, it’s a call to keep fighting for a society where no one is discarded, no matter who they are or where they come from.
This fight isn’t over yet. While Buck’s criminal appeal has been shut down, we’re still bracing for the upcoming civil suit in November for Gemmel Moore’s wrongful death. This next step is crucial. Buck may be behind bars, but the full truth of his actions and the systemic failures that allowed this to happen still need to be confronted. The civil suit will give Gemmel’s family the chance to hold Buck accountable in ways the criminal case couldn’t. It’s a reminder that justice isn’t always a single moment in court – it’s a process that requires persistence and community support.
It’s easy to show up when the cameras are rolling and the headlines are fresh, but true justice means standing by the victims, their families, and our community until the very end. This fight isn’t just about Ed Buck–it’s about honoring the lives of Gemmel Moore, Timothy Dean, and all those who are often ignored and forgotten. We can’t just pack up and move on when the media attention fades. Real advocacy requires seeing things through, staying in the trenches with the families, and making sure that justice – in every form – is served. We owe that to the victims, their families, and to ourselves.
Buck’s appeal being rejected doesn’t erase the harm he caused, but it does ensure that he remains where he belongs: behind bars. And while the system has a long way to go, today we can take a breath, knowing that justice—though delayed—has not been denied.
