Remembering the 36 trans individuals who have been killed in the US this year

Dustin Parker, 25

Dustin Parker, a 25-year-old taxi driver, was fatally shot early on New Years Day in McAlester, Oklahoma, and was found in the driver’s seat at approximately 6.30am. It has been reported that several gunshots had been fired at the taxi. Dustin was a founding member of the McAlester chapter of Oklahomans for Equality, an LGBTQ+ rights group, and leaves behind four children and a wife called Regina. “Rover Taxi is devastated at the loss of a member of our Rover family,” said Dustin’s employer Brian West, who organised a Facebook fundraiser to help his family. “Dustin was a steadfast friend, an amazing husband and father, and generous to a fault. He loved fiercely, worked tirelessly, and took on life with so much hope and enthusiasm that his presence brightened all of our lives. His bright, young life was taken far too early. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts as we all try to pull together to get through these difficult times. Dustin will be missed, but never forgotten.”

Neulisa Luciano Ruiz

According to media reports confirmed by Puerto Rican LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, Neulisa Luciano Ruiz, known as Alexa, was killed in a park in Toa Baja, a city 15 miles west of capital San Juan, on 24 February. “A Puerto Rican transgender woman appears to have been harassed for using the women’s bathroom and then murdered. The attack was recorded & shared on social media,” wrote civil rights organisation Lambda Legal on Twitter. “This violence is completely unacceptable. Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are and treated with dignity and respect. Puerto Rican law enforcement authorities must expeditiously and thoroughly investigate this horrific crime, including its posting on social media.” CBS News reported that police responded to social media accusations that Alexa was “peeping on people” in a public bathroom. Police found no proof and the complainant didn’t file charges after finding out Alexa was homeless. However, he said “a narrative spread on social media” about her. Alexa was reportedly killed nine hours after the accusations were made, and local news outlets have reported that her murder was captured on video and shared on social media.

Yampi Méndez Arocho, 19

Yampi Méndez Arocho, a 19-year-old transgender man, was killed 5 March in Moca, Puerto Rico, following two gunshot wounds in the face and two in the back. According to reports, Yampi’s mother contacted the police because he was assaulted by a woman just five hours prior. Pedro Julio Serrano, founder of LGBTQ+ advocacy group Puerto Rico Para Tod@s, said he was disappointed with authorities for how they handled Yampi and Alexa’s deaths. He told Puerto Rican media outlet Primera Hora: “If the treatment of Yampi’s murder is added to the mismanagement of Alexa’s murder, we are talking about a crisis of confidence of the LGBTQ+ communities towards the police, because they are failing to comply with their own protocols of handling cases with dignity and sensitivity with the trans community.”

Scott DeVore/Scottlynn Kelly DeVore, 51

Scott DeVore, a 51-year-old gender non-conforming person, was killed in Augusta, Georgia. DeVore also identified as Scottlynn Kelly DeVore, and was last seen leaving their home – presenting as Scottlynn – on 14 March. Their body was found on 30 March. It is currently unknown what name and pronouns DeVore preferred. Friends and family remembered DeVore on social media as “sweet” and “the best friend anyone could have”. Authorities have charged a suspect with murder.

Monika Diamond, 34

On 18 March, Monika Diamond was killed after a 32-year-old man, identified as Prentice Bess, entered the ambulance she was in and fired gunshots. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reported that the 34-year-old was active in the LGBTQ+ scene in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was the co-owner and founder of Ncphyne Promotion Company LLC; an events promotion company about to celebrate its 10th anniversary. She was also the co-CEO of the International Mother of the Year Pageantry System, which honours LGBTQ+ mothers. Paying tribute to Monika, HRC wrote: “Through her work, Diamond spent her adult life creating community and spaces for LGBTQ people in Charlotte and beyond to come together and celebrate their lives. She was a chosen mother to countless. She was a business owner, a loving friend and she did not deserve to have her life taken from her.”

Lexi “Ebony” Sutton, 33

Lexi “Ebony” Sutton was fatally stabbed in the neck in Harlem on 28 March. The 33-year-old was reportedly sat on a park bench near Harlem River Park when she was approached by an unidentified assailant. After an argument ensued, the suspect stabbed her in the neck and fled the scene on a red scooter. Lexi was then rushed to NYC Health & Hospitals/Harlem, but unfortunately, her injuries were too severe and she tragically passed away. Witness Lavonia Brooks, a friend of the victim, told The New York Post that they came into conflict over a stolen wig. She revealed: “It was a blonde wig. [The victim] just walked past her and took the wig off her head. That prompted the other person to attack her. Someone said ‘Oh s–t! She cut her throat.’ There was a dude riding one a red scooter trying to pick up one of the girls. [The attacker] must have hopped on the back of a date’s motorcycle.” Bill de Blasio, mayor of New York City, called the attack “horrifying”. He wrote on Twitter: “My heart breaks for this woman and for her family. We WILL find the person responsible for this heinous crime and bring them to justice. New York City stands with our trans community, now and always.”

Johanna Metzger, 25

Johanna Metzger was fatally stabbed in Baltimore, Maryland on 11 April. The stabbing took place on the 2200 block of Highview Avenue. Metzger was originally from Pennsylvania and was attending a recovery centre in Baltimore when she was stabbed, reported WMAR. Her mother said Metzger was a college graduate and had taught herself to play several instruments. Her death was confirmed by LGBTQ+ organisation, the Baltimore Safe Haven and the Baltimore City LGBTQ Affairs, which is a division of the mayor’s office. “We are heartbroken to report another trans woman has lost her life to violence here in Baltimore,” they wrote on Facebook. “Today, we lift up the name and honour the life of Johanna Metzger. We wish comfort to those whose life she touched.”

Penélope Díaz Ramírez, 31

Penélope Díaz Ramírez, a 31-year-old transgender woman, was killed at the Bayamon correctional complex in Puerto Rico on 13 April. Tori Cooper, HRC Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative, said she’s never “seen so many reports of deaths of our transgender and gender non-conforming community in such a short time in one location.” She continued: “Penélope did not deserve to die. Transgender people do not deserve to die. Every single advocate, ally, elected official and community member must stand up in light of this horrific news and say ‘No more.’ What we are doing is not enough.”

Layla Pelaez Sánchez, 21, and Serena Angelique Velázquez Ramos, 32

The bodies of Layla Pelaez Sánchez, 21, and Serena Angelique Velázquez Ramos, 32, were discovered in a burnt-out car in the coastal town of Humacoa, in Puerto Rico on 22 April. Speaking to NBC, Pedro Julio Serrano, a spokesperson for the Broad Committee for the Search of Equity, said: “They are hunting us.” Ivana Fred, from the same group, added: “We trans people deserve to live in peace, equality and freedom. Enough of so much hate.”  Francheska Alvarado, the sister of Serena, found about her death from a phone call. “I was in complete shock and disbelief because my sister was a great person,” she said. “She was never in the streets. She was just herself.” She called on the police to investigate an alleged Snapchat video which showed her sister, the other victim, and two men lying on a bed, hours before the women were found murdered.

Nina Pop, 28

Nina Pop, a 28-year-old transgender woman, was murdered on 3 May in Sikeston, Missouri. Nina was last seen alive at a party in Silkeston, where she was seen walking around a field with a drink. Her body was discovered in her apartment. Responding to Nina’s death, Tori Cooper from HRC said: “We must be outraged by this news and we must channel that outrage into action immediately. These crimes must be reported, investigated and prosecuted. These lives must be mourned, honoured and fought for. What we are doing is not enough. HRC mourns alongside all those who know and loved Nina, and we will continue our tireless fight to ensure a future where living one’s truth can never become a death sentence.”

Helle Jae O’Regan, 20

Helle Jae O’Regan was murdered on 6 May in San Antonio, Texas. The 20-year-old was stabbed at her job in a local barbershop. Her attacker, Damion Terrell Campbell, 42, has been charged with her murder. Speaking to KSAT, who dead-named Halle, her friend Luke Tyler said: “Every time I saw her, she smiled. She’d do anything for you. She was a caring person. I never saw her in a bad mood. Being trans is so hard, and her life was hard, but she lived like it was the best day of her life every day.” Halle was proud of her trans identity, and in a post on Transgender Day of Remembrance, wrote: “I was looking at the pictures I used to take before I transitioned versus now and it made me realize I’m way happier than I used to be. I love myself now. Thank you to everyone who’s ever supported me and to anyone who hasn’t I hope you come around. I’m happy and proud to be myself.”

Tony McDade, 38

Tony McDade, a 38-year-old Black transgender man, was shot and killed by police officers on 27 May in Tallahassee, Florida. WFSU News, who misgendered McDade along with the Florida Police Department, reported that he was involved in a stabbing on Tallahassee’s Southside, where one adult male was killed. At the scene, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell told reporters McDade then “fled on foot” and said he was described to officers as a “Black female, wearing all black, bald, armed with a pistol and a knife.” McDade was shot by an unnamed white officer and succumbed to his injuries in hospital. Local news said McDade was unarmed, which has since been denied by authorities, who claimed he “made a move consistent with using the firearm against the officer.”

Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells

Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, a Black trans woman, was killed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 9 June. Her dismembered body was found in a river. A friend of Dominique’s, Madelyn Morrison, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that she loved fashion, music, people, “having fun and being vibrant.” The friend added that Dominique made outfits and wigs for people as freelance fashion work, and that she organised the Rock the Runway: A Trans Empowerment Fashion Show at the William Way LGBT Community Center last year. In a statement, Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs told Insider: “The pain of such a loss is always difficult, but it is especially deep as we are in the midst of Pride Month—a season typically filled with joy and celebration for many in our community. As thousands take to the streets to proclaim that Black Lives Matter, it is critical we remember that this includes Black trans lives. Dominique Rem’mie Fells’s life mattered.”

Riah Milton, 25

On 9 June, 25-year-old Black trans woman Riah Milton was murdered in Liberty Township, Ohio. A group of three people lured her into a park and shot her to death. Kaleb Marshall Tooson, aged 18, has been arrested and charged with Riah’s murder, as well as aggravated assault. An unidentified 14-year-old has also been charged with complicity to aggravated robbery, murder, and tampering with evidence. According to Riah’s Facebook, she was a home health aide and studied at the University of Cincinnati. Speaking to WCPO, Riah’s sister Ariel said: “My sister Riah, she was a joyful person. She loved her family and she loved her friends. She was just a joy to be around. All I want is to just keep this conversations going because these voices need to be heard. Her voice needs to be heard. And countless other trans women who have been murdered, their voices need to be heard.”

Jayne Thompson, 33

Jayne Thompson, a 33-year-old white trans woman, was fatally shot in Mesa County, Colorado. Thompson was killed by a Colorado State Patrol trooper on 9 May, and news of her tragic death wasn’t known to LGBTQ+ media until much later due to several local outlets misgendering and dead-naming her in their original reports. According to The Denver Post, Thompson was shot after exhibiting “odd behaviour” near a grocery store called the Orchard Mesa Market, where she had been standing still in the same position for a “couple of hours”. When a pedestrian checked in on Thompson to make sure if everything was okay, she didn’t respond or “acknowledge their presence.” Jason Wade, a trooper, was later called to the scene after authorities had been contacted. When Wade arrived, Thompson reportedly started to “act aggressively” and “displayed a 10-inch knife” which led to Wade pulling out his gun and fatally shooting her in the torso multiple times.

Selena Reyes-Hernandez, 37

Selena Reyes-Hernandez, a 37-year-old trans woman, was fatally shot in the early morning hours of May 31 by an 18-year-old student called Orlando Perez. Orlando and Selena went on a date and when they returned to Selena’s home, he found out that she was trans and left. Surveillance footage shows Orlando returning ten minutes later with a handgun and a face covering. During his court appearance, Orlando lowered his face mask, smiled several times and attempted to give a statement, although he was stopped by his assistant public defender. After the hearing, the judge ordered Orlando to be held without bail.

Brian “Egypt” Powers, 43

Brian “Egypt” Powers, a 43-year-old Black transgender man, was killed in Akron, Ohio, on 13 June. He died from a single bullet wound that pierced both thighs, and his body was found on the sidewalk of a church need the University of Akron. Police have no suspects in the case. Brian’s sister, Vivian Powers-Smith, said he was “very proud of who he was” and “never ashamed”. According to reports, Brian identified as transgender but continued to use he/him pronouns, as well as his birth name. Local news said he “dreamed of becoming a backup dancer for Janet Jackson or Paula Abdul” and is remembered for wearing “unicorn braids”.

Brayla Stone, 17

Brayla Stone, a 17-year-old Black trans woman, was murdered in Sherwood, Arkansas on 25 June. Her body was found in a car off of Gap Creek Drive. A change.org petition has been set up to demand justice for Brayla. At the time of writing, the petition has over 285,000 signatures. In a since deleted post on Instagram, a user known as tapneason claimed to have been paid $5,000 to murder Brayla. They later claimed that they were “clout chasing” and hadn’t killed anyone. A candlelit vigil was held and organised by the Center for Artistic Revolution. In a Facebook post, they said: “Brayla was someone who always held space for others to be themselves and express their identities. Despite the fact that these institutions didn’t support Brayla, it is important that we uplift her memory and dedicate ourselves to seeking justice for her. She was 17 years old and her life was taken far too soon. We must put a stop to the violence against Black trans women. We don’t want another Black trans woman’s death to go unnoticed.”

Merci Mack, 22

On 30 June in Dallas, Texas, 22-year-old Black trans woman Merci Mack was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Rosemont Apartments at 3015 East Ledbetter Drive. Her unconscious body was found at 6:15am, an hour and a quarter after residents reported hearing gunshots, and she was pronounced dead at the scene by the Dallas Fire-Rescue team. On her Facebook page, Mack said she loved baking cookies, relaxing in her jacuzzi and was looking forward to returning to her job in a restaurant as Texas eased its lockdown restrictions. In a statement, Tori Cooper from the HRC said: “Another Black transgender woman has had her life stolen from her. We cannot become numb to the fact that our community has learned of more killings of transgender and gender non-conforming people in the past few weeks than HRC has ever tracked in the past seven years. Her friends say that Merci Mack was a young, upbeat soul who deserved to experience a full life. HRC is mourning with Merci’s loved ones and are calling for a full, thorough investigation into her death.”

Shaki Peters, 32

Shaki Peters, a 32-year-old Black trans woman, was killed on 1 July in Amite City, Louisiana. The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office, who misgendered her in their report, are investigating her death as a homicide and have identified a person of interest. “In just four days, we have seen the deaths of at least three transgender and gender non-conforming people, including Shaki Peters. This horrific spike in violence against our community must be an urgent call to action for every single person in this nation,” said Tori Cooper of the HRC. Natahalie Nia Faulk, a friend of Shaki – who is also a Black trans woman – called her a “very independent person and very loyal to her friends,” and said she was “full of laughter and an abundance of life.”

Bree Black, 27

Bree Black, a 27-year-old Black trans woman, was fatally shot in her hometown of Pompano Beach on 3 July. She was pronounced dead at the scene around 10.30pm. On 5 July, Black Lives Matter Alliance Broward created an altar and hosted a gathering in honour of Bree’s memory, with protesters later marching to Pompano Beach City Hall while chanting, “No justice. No peace.” Tifanny Burks, an organiser with Black Lives Matter Alliance Broward, said: “We want some immediate answers to what’s going on and we want this investigation to be done with full integrity. We want to get connected to her family. We want to get connected with her friends because we don’t want this one altar, this one event to be the end.”

Summer Taylor, 24

Summer Taylor, a 24-year-old non-binary person, was struck by a car at a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest on 4 July. They were participating in the Black Femme March against police brutality in Seattle, Wash, when the vehicle made its way onto the closed Seattle freeway and hit Summer and another protestor called Diaz Love, 32. Summer was rushed to hospital, but succumbed to their injuries later that evening at the Harborview Medical Center. The driver was identified as 27-year-old Dawit Kelete, who reportedly kept driving for two miles after hitting the protestors before being stopped by authorities. Katelyn Hoberecht, Summer’s co-worker at the Urban Animal vet clinic, said they have “been there since Day One standing up for Black lives,” and “staying out all day and night while still working full time and taking care of animals.” US senator Kamala Harris wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely heartbreaking. Summer Taylor was only 24-years-old, peacefully protesting for Black Lives Matter when they were struck by a car. “Thinking of their family during this difficult time and everyone in the movement today.”

Marilyn Cazares, 22

Marilyn Cazares, a 22-year old homeless trans woman, was found murdered in Brawley, California, on 13 July. Although the police released few details, Marilyn’s family claim that she was stabbed and then set on fire. Recounting memories of Marilyn, an aunt posted about a time that “she was chilling in the backseat, playing music off of her phone, and jamming out to Billie Jean like the bad ass queen she was!” In reports that misgendered Marilyn, another aunt said she was “killed in a horrific way, in a very brutal, hateful, hateful way.” Mary Ann Isaac, the office manager for the Brawley Feed the Need, described Marilyn as the “life of the party” and someone who made everybody laugh. Marilyn’s sister, Aubrey Cazares, started a GoFundMe page to cover the costs for Marilyn’s funeral. In the fundraiser, Aubrey wrote: “Hello, as some of you may know my sister Marilyn has passed. A young soul so easily taken from us. We want to have a beautiful service in celebration of her life she had here with us. She was a beloved Daughter, Sister, Niece, Cousin, Granddaugter, and Friend. So please anything helps. Thank you and God bless you.”

Dior H. Ova

In the early hours of 26 July, Dior H. Ova was stabbed to death in the Bronx, New York. She was identified by the Princess Janae Place, an organisation supporting homeless LGBTQ+ adults in the tri-state area. Some reports refer to Dior with the name of Tiffany Harris, however, social media accounts for the victim carry the name of Dior. Her body was discovered shortly after 1.30am, in the third floor hallway at 2575 Jerome Avenue. She was transferred to Saint Barnabas Hospital, but was pronounced dead after 2.20 am. Those close to the victim described her as a “beautiful soul full of life and love,” and a shopaholic who “loved to dance and party”. Her Facebook said she enjoyed watching TV dramas like Desperate Housewives and Sex and the City. A man was arrested in connection with her death on 13 August.

Queasha D Hardy, 22

Queasha D. Hardy, 24, was shot to death in Baton Rogue, Louisiana. Her body was discovered shortly after 1pm in the 1700 block of North Harco Drive, and she died at the scene. Friends mourned her murder on Facebook and said she was a talented hairstylist, with one even having an appointment at her salon on the day of the murder. She was described by friends as “always smiling”, “the life of all parties” and “truly one of a kind.” In a statement, Tori Cooper said: “Words cannot describe the devastation felt by every person affected by this epidemic of violence. The transgender and gender non-conforming community and our loved ones are all screaming for justice and an end to this violence. We are living in an epidemic of widespread violence. In Black trans communities, we all are connected in some way to those who’ve been killed. Baton Rouge lost a beloved and respected member of the community. Queasha D Hardy was so beloved — and she will be so missed.”

Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears

On 28 July, Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears, aged 34, was stabbed to death in Portland, Oregan, at a vigil held for Tyrell Penney, a man shot to death in Sacramento, Califronia. Aja was also known as Rocky Rhones. She was attending a vigil held for Tyrell near the 15800 block of Southeast Division which later moved to a home in the 100 block of Northeast 92nd Place. According to police, there was a “large disturbance occurred involving multiple participants” and during the altercation, Rhones was stabbed. She was declared dead at the scene. Despite a large number of witnesses, police “encountered hostility and a lack of cooperation” during their investigation.

Lea Rayshon Daye, 28

Lea Rayshon Daye, a Black trans woman, died in Cuyahoga County Jail in Cleveland, Ohio on 30 August. She was found in the morning, unresponsive, and latter passed away. Her death is still under investigation, but for now, HRC have included Lea in their list of trans individuals who have died due to violence. Tori Cooper said: “Lea’s death is unacceptable. Increased risk factors such as homelessness, combined with racism, sexism and transphobia, conspired to lead to a death that never should have happened. Our system failed Lea, as it has failed so many people, especially Black transgender women. We must demand change at every level throughout our institutions to ensure this never happens again. As we mourn Lea, we will keep fighting for transgender and gender non-conforming people.”

Kee Sam, 24

Kee Sam, a 24-year-old Black trans woman, was shot in a hotel in Lafayette, Louisiana on 12 August. She was later transported to a nearby hospital, but tragically passed away the next day due to the severity of her injuries. She was mourned by loved ones on her Instagram, with comments including “cousin I will miss you… I’m way in Cali but you know you in my heart forever babes,” and “#LongLiveKeeSam.” The investigation is still ongoing, but a 16-year-old has been arrested in connection to the shooting.

Aerrion Burnett, 37

Aerrion Burnett, a Black trans woman, was fatally shot in Independence, Missouri, on 19 September. Family and friends of Burnett, who was 37-years-old when she passed, held a vigil the day after her death and released balloons in honour of her memory. Her close friend, Korea Kelly, described her as a “goddess” while another said she was always the “life of the party”. Kelly added: “If you wanted to have a good day, you need to smile, Aerrion was the person you wanted by your side.” Burnett’s family also demanded justice for her murder, with her cousin telling reporters: “Enough is enough. Stop taking our lives. Lives matter. You can’t get them back, and it hurts so many people.”

Mia Green, 29

Mia Green, a 29-year-old Black trans woman, was killed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 28 September. Mia was taken to hospital after being found with gunshot wounds, where she passed away. Friends and family paid tribute to her memory on social media, with one saying Mia’s “smile was so perfect and contagious,” while another called her murder “heartbreaking” and demanded justice. Another said she was a “sweet spirit”. “We are mourning Mia’s loss along with her friends and family. Although I did not know Mia personally, we are from the same community and share many mutual friends. Her loss is devastating,” said Tori Cooper. “Mia was a person who mattered, and she did not deserve to have her life stolen from her.”

Michelle Ramos Vargas, 33

Michelle Ramos Vargas, a 33-year-old transgender woman, was murdered on 30 September. The body of Vargas was found with several gunshots wounds in San Germán, Puerto Rico. She was in the middle of studying to become a nurse at Ponce Paramedical College. “Her name is Michelle Ramos Vargas and she was my age. Her passion, like mine, was helping other people; that’s why she decided to study nursing, said Joanna Cifredo, a trans rights activist. “Here is another sad example that gender perspective is urgently needed to educate our youth to recognize, respect, and celebrate the differences between us.”

Felycya Harris, 33

Felycya Harris, a Black transgender woman, was killed in Augusta, Georgia on 3 October. According to reports, Felycya was shot to death in Meadowbrook Park some time after 1pm. Shortly after, the Richmond County coroner classified her death as a homicide. Felycya was 33-years-old when she passed. HRC (Human Rights Campaign) said she was a self-employed interior decorator who “enjoyed lending her to improve the surroundings of others, and made others feel comfortable in their own space.” Speaking with local television stations, Felycya’s close friend, Ricola Collier, stated: “I just want justice to be served for my friend. Only thing we got left now is just the memories and the pictures, and the videos. Since the day I found out what happened, I go back and watch the videos every day. Everybody’s going to remember Felycya. That laugh. The smile — the smiles. The talks. The arguments. The attitudes. Everybody is going to remember who Felycya Harris is. Nobody would ever forget who that is.”

Brooklyn Deshuna, 20

Brooklyn Deshuna, a Black transgender woman, was found dead in Shreveport, Louisana on 7 October. The 20-year-old was said to have suffered from a least one gunshot wound. Shreveport Police and its homicide units are currently investigating the horrific murder, and investigators have reached out to family and interviewed her neighbours in hopes of finding a motive or suspect. Brooklyn was studying cosmetology at a local community college and just celebrated her 20th birthday. Her friends remembered her as “genuinely a good person”. 

Sara Blackwood

Sara Blackwood, a transgender woman, was murdered in Indianapolis, Indiana on 11 October, which marked National Coming Out Day. She was shot as she left work and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she passed away from her injuries. Jimmy Johnson, a friend of Sara, told WXIN that she was a “very sweet and a very good person” and that her death was “senseless,” adding “the world at large is missing a very kind responsible person.” Her death was the sixth killing of a transgender individual in just four weeks after Aerrion Burnett, Mia Green, Michelle Michellyn Ramos Vargas, Felycya Harris and Brooklyn Deshuna.

Angel Unique, 26

Angel Unique, a 26-year-old Black transgender woman, was murdered on 25 October in Memphis, Tennessee. Her body was found at a Motel 6 in Memphis’ Whitehaven neighbourhood, where police discovered that she had been shot in the head. Unique, who was a cosmetologist, was in Memphis for the night. Speaking to TV station WTAN, Takia Weddle – Angel’s best friend – said: “We live in Jackson, but she called me at 10 o’clock and said that she was on her way to Memphis for the night and she was going to call me when she got there, but she never called back. I still can’t believe it, really, because that was the only person I was with every single day. I talked to my best friend more than I talked to my boyfriend.” Takia believes she was killed because she was trans, “the way she was”.

Related: How to be a trans ally: tips to help you be the best advocate you can be.