Philadelphia DA’s Office Announces Conviction, Sentencing of Man for Murder of Michelle “Tameka” Washington, Beloved Transgender Advocate
CONTACT:
Dustin Slaughter, 215–686–8713, Dustin.Slaughter@phila.gov
PHILADELPHIA (July 26, 2021) — The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) today announced the conviction and sentencing of 28-year-old Troy Bailey, who was found guilty of Third Degree Murder (F1) and related weapon offenses, for the murder of 40 year-old Michelle “Tameka” Washington, a beloved transgender community advocate. Washington was fatally shot in May 2019 on the 3400 block of North 11th Street.
Using DNA and surveillance footage from the crime scene, investigators were able to build a strong case against Bailey. Law enforcement also linked the bullets used in Washington’s murder to live rounds found in Bailey’s home after the execution of a search warrant. In addition being found guilty of Third Degree Murder, Bailey was found guilty of VUFA-6105 (F1), VUFA-6110.2 (F1), VUFA-6106 (F3), VUFA 6108 (M1), and Possession of an Instrument of Crime (M1). He was arrested and charged in May of 2019 and was sentenced on July 22, 2021 to 25–50 years in prison by the Honorable Rosemarie Defino-Nastasi. Assistant District Attorney Jeff Hojnowski prosecuted this case.
“I thought I would be relieved by the sentence Troy Bailey received for the murder of my sister,” said Crystal Davis, sister of Michelle ‘Tameka’ Washington. “But because of his lack of remorse, I wasn’t. He cut short the life of a woman so full of light and love and taken my rock away, but I have vowed to continue her work for the LGBTQ+ community and to continue to make sure she is never forgotten.”
“I worked with Michelle ‘Tameka’ Washington and learned a lot from her prior to her tragic death,” said DAO LGBTQ+ Liaison and Victim/Witness Coordinator Kelly Burkhardt. “Michelle was the sixth transgender woman murdered out of at least 25 other transgender or gender-nonconforming people killed in 2019. The average life expectancy of a transgender woman, especially one of color, is 35-years-old. As a Victim/Witness Coordinator, part of my job is to help victims and survivors navigate a very complex system. But it’s also my job to help uplift them, and the DAO and I remain committed to doing the same for our transgender community.”
At least 31 transgender or gender nonconforming people nationally have been murdered this year, according to the Human Rights Campaign. The number of transgender or gender nonconforming people killed since 2019 has steadily increased, and the numbers may be higher due to lack of reporting.
“Today I am perplexed,” said Rev. Andrea Harrington, Associate Minister at Whosoever Ministries. “Perplexed because as a proud Black Mexican transgender woman, 2021 seems as if it is hunting season on trans women. It seems as though there is something against the very lives and breadth of trans women just living their lives. As a mother, as a parent, I’m asking all of my community members, all of my brothers and sisters, regardless of your stature, your orientation, the color of your skin. I’m asking for us to remember love. If we show more love, we get more love. And obviously, it will be shown throughout the world with less violence. Love and respect cost nothing.”
Supports are available for transgender and gender nonconforming people. For free and confidential peer support, contact the LGBTQ National Help Center. For transgender and gender nonconforming survivors of sexual and domestic violence, FORGE provides referrals for counseling. For those who are in crisis and are contemplating suicide, contact the Trans Lifeline at 877–565–8860.
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The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office is the largest prosecutor’s office in Pennsylvania, and one of the largest in the nation. It serves the more than 1.5 million residents of the City and County of Philadelphia, employing 600 lawyers, detectives, and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office is responsible for the prosecution of approximately 40,000 criminal cases annually.
