IN MEMORIAM: 27 Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming People Killed In America In 2017
Last updated at 8:02 PM EST on 12/29/17.
Today, HRC Foundation and the Trans People of Color Coalition (TPOCC) released A Time to Act: Fatal Violence Against Transgender People in America in 2017, a heartbreaking report documenting the often deadly violence faced by transgender people and exploring factors that have made this year the deadliest on record for the transgender community.
The report comes in advance of Monday’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, which honors transgender people who lost their lives during the previous year, and amidst reports of a surge in hate-based violence and harassment that began during Donald Trump’s campaign, and continues under the Trump-Pence administration.
“The epidemic of violence against transgender people is an urgent crisis that demands the nation’s immediate attention,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “The unique and tragic stories featured in this report reflect the obstacles that many transgender Americans — especially trans women of color — face in their daily lives. It is crucial that we know these stories in order to combat the transphobia, misogyny and racism fueling this violence so that we can end this epidemic before it takes any more lives.”
Since the start of the year, at least 25 transgender people have been killed in the U.S., the most on record. Eighty-four percent were people of color, and 80 percent were women. Since January 2013, HRC has documented at least 102 transgender people who were victims of fatal violence; at least 87 were transgender people of color. And these disturbing numbers likely underreport deadly violence targeting transgender people, who may not be properly identified as transgender.
“Each of the stories featured in this report is unique, tragic and devastating,” said TPOCC Executive Director Kylar Broadus. “Unpacking these stories is a difficult but necessary process if we as a society want to protect the most vulnerable and address the root causes for their unjust and premature deaths.”
The report explores many of the factors that can contribute to or facilitate fatal violence. In many instances, the violence is fueled by anti-LGBTQ prejudice, racism, too-easy access to guns and increasing political attacks on the transgender community at both the state and federal level. There are a number of actions lawmakers can take to address the violence, including enhancing law enforcement response and training; improving data collection and reporting; passing non-discrimination protections; and adopting common-sense gun violence protections.
Since the election of Donald Trump and Mike Pence, there has been a notable increase in the vitriol and anti-transgender rhetoric — from the top levels of government down through the rest of American society. Seventy percent of respondents to HRC’s post-2016 election youth survey reported witnessing bullying and harassment during or since the 2016 election, and almost half of LGBTQ youth said they have taken steps to hide who they are since the election. FBI data released earlier this week recorded an overall increase in hate crimes in 2016, including a rise in bias-motivated violence based on gender identity and sexual orientation. [Human Rights Campaign]
Read the full report below, or read the list here.
1. Mesha Caldwell, 41
Found: January 4th, 2017
On January 4, Mesha Caldwell, 41, a Black transgender woman, was found shot to death on a road near Canton, Mississippi. Caldwell was a well-known hair and makeup artist in the area and well-liked by friends. One friend said, “I think people will miss her style, her personality. She won many hair battles, and she hosted competitions in Canton for the young people, so she will be missed greatly.” Another friend and former roommate, transgender advocate Evonne Kaho, said that Caldwell was “a happy person who loved everyone and never met a stranger.” Misgendered in initial media reports, police are investigating her death as a homicide but no suspects have been named.
2. Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, 28
Found: January 6th, 2017
Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, 28, an American Indian woman who identified as transgender and two-spirit, was found stabbed to death in her apartment in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on January 6. A suspect, 25-year-old Joshua Rayvon LeClaire, has been charged with her murder. A member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, she grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. According to friends, Wounded Arrow worked in customer service and loved to spend her free time at the library. She studied social work at Oglala Lakota College and nursing at a Georgetown University summer program. Friends remembered her as an honest, compassionate person who made an impact on those who met her.
3. Sean Ryan Hake, 23
Killed: January 6th, 2017
On January 6, Sean Ryan Hake, 23, was shot multiple times by a police officer in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Hake, who had previously posted on Youtube about his own process toward self-acceptance as a transgender man, was killed in his home after Hake’s mother called 911 to report that her son was suicidal and acting violent. One friend recalled that Sean “had a genuinely good heart and he had struggled with his problems.” Police say Hake first threatened to put a razor blade to his mother’s throat and then repeatedly refused police orders to put down a utility knife before they opened fire. The District Attorney has not pressed charges, arguing that the shooting was justified. On July 21, Hake’s family filed a lawsuit against the Sharon Police Department, alleging that the officers involved in the incident violated his civil rights and used excessive force. In September, a federal judge ordered that mediation for the case be held by November.
4. JoJo Striker, 23
Killed: February 8th, 2017
“Funny and entertaining” are just a few words people used to describe JoJo Striker, 23, a Black transgender woman, who was found dead in a garage with a single gunshot wound in Toledo, Ohio, on February 8. Her family loved her deeply. Although police do not have any leads, Striker’s mother, Shanda Striker, said, “The police told us to leave it alone but that will never happen because I will always search for [JoJo’s] killer. This is a hate crime and it needs to stop.” Ohio’s hate crimes law does not include crimes motivated by gender identity. Striker was misgendered in the initial media and police reports.
5. Jaquarrius Holland, 18
Killed: February 19th, 2017
Jaquarrius Holland, 18, was found shot to death with a single gunshot wound to the head in Monroe, Louisiana, on February 19. One friend, Chesna Littleberry, said that Holland was “like a younger sister” and had helped her learn to accept herself. Media coverage initially misreported Holland’s gender, and advocates did not learn that she was a transgender woman until her family and friends corrected those reports on social media. Holland, who also used the name Jaquarrius Brown, was shot after a “verbal altercation” with Malcom Derricktavios Harvey, who has been arrested, charged and is awaiting trial for second degree murder.
6. Tiara Lashaytheboss Richmond, also known as Keke Collier, 24
Killed: February 21st, 2017
Tiara Richmond, also known as Keke Collier, 24, was fatally shot on the morning of February 21. A transgender woman of color, she was found dead on the same street in Chicago, Illinois, as two other transgender women who were killed in 2012. According to local media reports, Richmond was in a vehicle with a man when the man fired shots. She was found lying on the ground nearby with gunshot wounds to her chest, arm and hand, and died later that day at the hospital. Richmond was originally misgendered in media reports and by police, who do not yet have any leads on the shooter. She loved to dance, was known by friends as the life of the party, and is survived by three siblings.
7. Chyna Gibson, 31
Killed: February 25, 2017
Nationally known performer Chyna Gibson, 31, a Black transgender woman, was found shot to death in the parking lot outside of a clothing store in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 25. Gibson, who went by the stage name Chyna Doll Dupree, was a much-loved performer in the ballroom and pageant communities. She was visiting friends and family in New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras at the time of her death. Since her death, New Orleans police have sought out multiple persons of interest for questioning, but have yet to make a statement on a suspect or whether they consider Gibson’s death to be motivated by bias.”
8. Ciara McElveen, 26
Killed: February 27th, 2017
Ciara McElveen, 26, a transgender woman of color, was stabbed to death in New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 27. According to a witness, McElveen was stabbed by a man in his vehicle, after which the perpetrator then pulled her from the vehicle and slammed her head to the ground, before returning to the car and driving away. McElveen was taken to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. Although there is some video evidence and the police were at one time questioning a person of interest, there are currently no suspects. Known by friends as a fun-loving, beautiful and outgoing person, McElveen performed outreach for the homeless community.
9. Alphonza Watson, 38
Killed: March 22nd, 2017
Alphonza Watson, 38, a Black transgender woman, was shot and killed in Baltimore, Maryland, on March 22. Witnesses told police they heard cries for help and gunshots before seeing two unidentified men speed away from the scene in a car. Watson was shot in the stomach and taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Watson’s mother said her daughter went by the nickname “Peaches” and was “the sunshine of our family.” Watson loved cooking and gardening and was known to her loved ones as a “caring, passionate, fun person to be around,” who was “always in a talkative and playful mood.” According to her mother, Watson worked at an upscale retailer in Virginia where she was a top performing salesperson.
10. Kenne McFadden, 27
Killed: April 9th, 2017
After initially misgendering her and mistaking her death for a drowning, police in San Antonio, Texas, have classified the death of Kenne McFadden, 27, as a homicide. McFadden, a Black transgender woman, was found on April 9 in the San Antonio River, into which police believe she was pushed. Friends of McFadden described her as outgoing, assertive, charismatic and lovable, calling her “everything you would expect in a friend.” McFadden worked as a waitress, enjoyed singing and poetry, and was in the process of transitioning.
11. Chay Reed
Killed: April 21st, 2017
Chay Reed, 28, a Black transgender woman, was shot and killed on April 21 in Miami, Florida. Reed was shot in the stomach while running across the street. Her attacker fled the scene and is still at large. Media coverage and police reports initially misidentified her gender. Police say there is “no evidence to indicate this was a hate crime” and are still looking for witnesses. Florida’s hate crimes law does not include crimes motivated by gender identity. Reed was known for her dance moves and friends say she was sweet, hilarious and full of life.
12. Kenneth Bostick
Kenneth Bostick, 59, died on May 5 of a severe head injury sustained on April 25 in New York City. Bostick was struck in the head with a metal object, in what appears to be an unprovoked attack. Joseph Griffin, 26, was charged with manslaughter and criminal mischief on May 19. Bostick was homeless for much of the past decade and had been living in a shelter since March. According to social worker and friend Jennifer Daisy, Bostick was the “kindest, sweetest, gentlest person.” Conflicting media reports initially led to uncertainty about Bostick’s gender identity, but interviews based on those who knew him have since confirmed that he identified as a transgender man.
13. Sherrell Faulkner, 46
Sherrell Faulkner, 46, a Black transgender woman, died on May 16 of injuries sustained during an attack on November 30, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Faulkner was assaulted and originally found near a dumpster in one of Charlotte’s LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods. Friends and family remember her as “genuine,” “hilarious” and deeply religious. After her death, the attack is now being investigated as a homicide; no arrests have been made.
14. Kendra Marie Adams, 28
Kendra Marie Adams, 28, was found dead on June 13 with burns on her body in a building that was under construction in Ithaca, New York. Michael A. Davis, 45, of Dryden, has been charged with second-degree murder and first-degree arson and police say he had a “personal relationship” with Adams. Adams also went by Josie Berrios, the name used in initial media reports on her death. Although initial reports by police misgendered Adams based on her identification, police were swift to correct the record. According to friends, Adams was a mixed race woman of color, “a little latina, a little Egyptian, and others all of which she was proud of.” She was a well-known local performer and a founding member of the House of Merlot.
15. Ava Le’Ray Barrin, 17
Ava Le’Ray Barrin, 17, a Black transgender woman, was shot and killed in Athens, Georgia, on June 25. She was fatally shot in the chest during an altercation with Jalen Breon Brown, 21, in the parking lot of an Athens apartment building. Brown has been arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault. Friends remember Barrin as a “social butterfly, unapologetically real” and an “amazing girl” who “loved to make people laugh.” Barrin had ambitious goals for her life and aspired to move to Los Angeles to make her dream of becoming a model a reality.
16. Ebony Morgan, 28
Ebony Morgan, 28, a Black transgender woman, was shot multiple times in Lynchburg, Virginia, on July 2. Morgan was transferred to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities have arrested and charged Kenneth Allen Kelly, Jr. with second degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Police have not publicly disclosed whether the homicide was motivated by bias, but are investigating whether Morgan’s gender identity was a factor.
17. TeeTee Dangerfield, 32
TeeTee Dangerfield, 32, a Black transgender woman, was shot and killed on July 31 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dangerfield was found with multiple gunshot wounds outside of her vehicle at her apartment complex. A restaurant server and union shop steward, Dangerfield had just purchased a three-bedroom house and was beloved by her colleagues as a happy, vivacious person. Tyrone Kemp has been arrested and charged with malice murder.
18. Gwynevere River Song, 26
Gwynevere River Song, 26, was shot and killed in Waxahachie, Texas, on August 12. They died at home after an argument escalated into violence and Song was pronounced dead at the scene. Another adult, whose name has not been released, was taken to a hospital and the investigation is ongoing. Described by their mother as “incredibly smart” with a mind “like a sponge full of knowledge,” Song was a 2015 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. According to their Facebook profile, they identified as “femandrogyne” and as a member of the bisexual community.
19. Kiwi Herring, 30
Kiwi Herring, 30, a married Black transgender woman and mother of three young children, was shot and killed by police in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 22 during an argument with her neighbor. Police were dispatched after Herring allegedly stabbed her neighbor. Following an altercation on the scene, police discharged their weapons. Herring was pronounced dead at the scene. Relatives suggest the neighbor was transphobic and that excessive force by police led to her death. Friends and family describe Herring as generous in spirit and “always the life of the party.”
20. Kashmire Nazier Redd, 28
Kashmire Nazier Redd, 28, a transgender man and person of color, was killed by his partner on September 5 in Gates, New York. Redd’s partner, Doris Carrasquillo, 40, allegedly stabbed him several times during an argument inside their shared apartment. Redd left the building and collapsed on the front lawn before Gates police responded to the incident. Redd died soon after at the hospital. Police are have ruled this a domestic violence case and Doris Carrasquillo is now facing one count of first-degree manslaughter.
21. Derricka Banner, 26
Derricka Banner, 26, a Black transgender woman, was found shot to death in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 12. Banner was a resident of Lenoir, North Carolina, and was in Charlotte visiting friends when she was shot and killed in a vehicle. Montavious Sanchez Berry was arrested by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police in connection with the killing. Berry, 18, has been charged with murder, armed robbery and shooting into an occupied vehicle. According to her godmother, Denise Helton, the two would speak on the phone every morning to say “I love you.” Other loved ones described Banner as a “playful spirit” and “go-getter” who enjoyed life.
22. Ally Steinfeld, 17
Ally Steinfeld, 17, a White transgender woman, was stabbed to death in Missouri in early September. Full of energy that matched her bright pink hair, Steinfeld loved listening to music and is survived by her partner, Marie Carma, who described her as “sweet, kind, loving and caring.” Steinfeld was stabbed multiple times, including in her genitals, and her eyes were gouged out by her attackers. Her body was then burned in an attempt to conceal the crime. Regardless of the brutality of her murder, police do not consider her murder a hate crime.* *In September, HRC sent a letter calling on the Missouri attorney general to oversee the investigation of this murder as a potential hate crime. Although the attorney general’s office confirmed receipt of the letter, they currently do not plan to take action in this case. Three people have been charged with several crimes, including first-degree murder, while a fourth person has been charged with abandonment of a corpse and tampering with evidence.
23. Scout Schultz, 21
Scout Schultz, 21, a student at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia, was shot dead on September 16 by a Georgia Tech Police Department officer after campus police responded to a call reporting a person wielding a knife. The Schultz family attorney told local media that he believed Schultz was having a mental breakdown and that the officers overreacted in their response. Schultz identified as non-binary and intersex and used they/them pronouns. Described as an “inspirational member of our community and a constant fighter for human rights,” they were an outspoken progressive and LGBTQ rights activist, including serving as President of the Georgia Tech Pride Alliance. The shooting is currently being investigated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
24. Stephanie Montez, 47
Stephanie Montez, 47, a transgender Latina woman, was murdered on October 21 near Robstown, Texas. The police, who misgendered Montez in initial reports and called her a “man in a dress,” found her body with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, shoulder and abdomen. The investigation into her murder is ongoing. Loved ones remember her as a sweet and supportive friend who loved to dance.
25. Candace Towns, 30
Candace Towns, 30, a Black transgender woman, was found shot to death on a driveway near where she was staying in Macon, Georgia, on October 31. A local newspaper reported that in July 2009 Towns was previously shot in the ankle, just a few blocks from where her body was found. Town’s best friend, Malaysa Monroe, remembered her fondly; “If I needed anything she would give it to me. She would give me the clothes off her back.” Police are investigating the murder and do not have any suspects.
26: Brooklyn BreYanna Stevenson, 31
Killed: November 27, 2017
Thirty-one-year-old Brooklyn BreYanna Stevenson was found dead in an Oklahoma City motel room on Monday, November 27th in what Oklahoma City police are investigating as a homicide, local outlet KFOR reported on Tuesday. Stevenson is at least the 24th transgender person killed in the U.S. so far this year, although advocates say the real number of deaths is likely far higher.
MSgt. Gary Knight of the Oklahoma City Police Department told KFOR on Monday that police were called to investigate a disturbance at a motel early Monday morning. The manager gave officers access to the room, Knight said, where they discovered Stevenson’s body. The department would not offer specifics about Stevenson’s cause of death, but Knight told the outlet that the trauma to her body was “consistent with homicide.”
In a phone call on Thursday, Knight said that, “sadly, there’s no arrest yet in that case” and that the department was urging anyone with information about Stevenson’s death to reach out.
In a statement to KFOR, Stevenson’s family said they were “heartbroken” and remembered her as a “an amazing daughter, sister and friend with a giving and loving heart.” The continued: “We pray that those who committed this heinous crime will be identified and Brooklyn will receive justice.”
27. Brandi Seals, 26
Killed: December 13th, 2017
A transgender woman was shot and killed in Houston early Wednesday, making her the 27th trans person murdered in the U.S. in 2017 and the fourth in the state of Texas.
The body of Brandi Seals, 26, was discovered in a home under construction in Sunnyside at about 6am. Neighbors reported hearing six gunshots prior to the arrival of police.
Both police and early news reports misgendered her, with Houston police detective Fil Waters referring to her as “a man in women’s clothing.”
With two weeks left to go, 2017 is already the deadliest on record for trans Americans, with the vast majority of the victims being trans women of color like Seals.
“Whoever took [her] life, they have to answer,” said Seals’ aunt, Maria Cheeks. “Maybe the police might not get you, but you will have to answer to one person. And that’s the higher power of God.”
TransGriot reports vigils are being planned tonight at the house where Seals was discovered and Friday at Houston City Hall.
LATE 2016 & OTHER DEATHS:
This document marks the third year HRC has published a report tracking Fatal Violence Against Transgender People in America. Because last year’s report was released in November 2016 to coincide with Transgender Day of Remembrance, India Monroe’s story was not included. We remember her life and death here.
India Monroe, 29
India Monroe, 29, a Black transgender woman, was shot to death in a Newport News, Virginia, home on December 21, 2016. Her body was found alongside the body of Mark Gray, 37. Law enforcement have ruled Monroe’s death a homicide and are investigating it as a domestic incident. Monroe was originally misgendered in police and news reports. Known to be “sweet and kind,” friends who attended her funeral note that she was buried under her birth name and made to appear male, including wearing a suit and having had her hair cut short. It is unclear whether Monroe was out to her family.
In the story below, news reports indicate that the victim did not identify as transgender but may have been targeted by his attacker due to anti-transgender (and/or broadly anti-LGBTQ) bias. Because of the ways anti-transgender bias — based on both perceived and real gender identities, as well as bias against those who are gender non-conforming — can put someone at risk for violence, we have included his story below.
Anthony Torres, 40
Anthony Torres, 40, also known by his gender non-conforming alter ego, “Bubbles,” was shot and killed in San Francisco, California, on September 9, 2017. Torres was well-known in the transgender community and beyond as an activist, artist and DJ. “The city loses a loving, special character, the type of person that makes San Francisco the great, unique place that it is,” said one friend. Members of the community say the shooter emerged from a nearby strip club, walked across the street where Torres was playing music, and began arguing with him before opening fire. Preliminary police reports of the shooting described a female victim and Torres’s own attorney initially identified him as a transgender woman, but friends have since clarified that he identified as a gay man “who enjoyed wearing women’s clothing and makeup.” Police have yet to identify a suspect.
