In 1978, a grand jury charged Koury with murder, racketeering, and other offenses that occurred at several gay bars, including the Male Box shooting.
[3][4] On September 22, 2000, Ronald Gay entered the bar and opened fire on the patrons, killing Danny Overstreet, 43 years old, and severely injuring six others.
"[7] The shooting came one week after members of Roanoke's LGBT community held a gay pride festival.
[8] After the 2000 shooting at the Backstreet Cafe, LGBT residents and activists gathered to hold vigils, with over 1,000 people walking through the streets of downtown Roanoke to honor the life of Overstreet.
The shooting prompted urges to members of Congress to enact federal hate crimes legislation to protect individuals on the basis of sexual orientation.