The Atlanta Police Department announced that they are actively investigating three “violent crimes” against transgender women that have occurred this year. Two Black transgender women were fatally shot a week apart in the city, and a transgender woman was critically injured in a January shooting that remains open.
The department stated that although the cases are unrelated, they are aware of the epidemic-level violence Black and Brown transgender women face in America. The shootings may have been motivated by hate, but police investigators have not found any indication that the victims were targeted for being transgender or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Police have not identified the victims in two of the shootings. A relative confirmed that the most recent victim, Rasheeda Williams, was a 35-year-old aspiring musician whose music was set to be featured on the Showtime drama “The Chi.” Williams was also featured in “Kokomo City,” a documentary about Black transgender sex workers in Georgia and New York that won awards at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
D. Smith, the film’s director, said that “Rasheeda, aka Koko Da Doll, was the latest victim of violence against Black transgender women.” The Human Rights Campaign’s director of community engagement for its Transgender Justice Initiative stated that Ashley Burton, a 37-year-old hairstylist, was at least the ninth “violent killing” of a transgender or gender non-conforming person so far this year.
The killings of these Black transgender women highlight the ongoing violence and marginalization that transgender people face in America. According to the Human Rights Campaign, the number of trans homicides doubled over four years, with gun killings fueling the increase. Advocates continue to call for justice and recognition of the value of Black transgender lives.
Atlanta police are encouraging anyone with information on these cases to come forward and call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or submit online. A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and indictment. It is crucial to address and combat the hate and violence directed towards the transgender community and ensure that their rights and safety are protected.