The sudden and tragic death of Shandon Floyd, a 20-year-old transgender woman from Mullins, South Carolina, has left her family in a state of grief and disbelief. Floyd, who went missing in Columbia after attending a football game, was found dead in an empty house in Richland County. Despite initial police reports suggesting no foul play, Floyd’s family firmly believes her death was a result of a hate crime.
Disappearance and Discovery
Floyd disappeared under mysterious circumstances after reportedly borrowing a friend’s car to drive a man to a store around 3 a.m. Surveillance footage captured the pair leaving the store, but Floyd was not heard from again. Her mother reported her missing the next day, and her body was discovered by police shortly after midnight on November 14. While police are awaiting autopsy results and have not yet suspected foul play, the family’s conviction that Floyd was murdered stands in stark contrast to the official stance.
A Family’s Sorrow and Conviction
Floyd’s grandmother, Bonnie Platt Scott, expressed the family’s belief that her death was intentional, highlighting Floyd’s gentle nature and disbelief at the possibility of a natural death. Family members and friends recall Floyd as a vivacious, kind-hearted individual, a “life of the party” who deeply loved her family and brothers. Mason Powell, a close friend, remembered Floyd as a light in their lives, always ready to spread joy and happiness.
A Community Mourns and Seeks Answers
The community is mourning the loss of Floyd, whose death has raised critical questions about the safety and treatment of transgender individuals. The discrepancy between the family’s beliefs and the initial police report has added a layer of complexity to the case, with the family adamant in their call for justice. As the investigation continues, Floyd’s death serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and dangers faced by the transgender community, especially in instances where hate crimes are suspected.