US: 21-year-old trans woman dies after being brutally beaten in transphobic attack
A transgender woman in New York City has died after being violently beaten in a transphobic attack.
Islan Nettles, 21, of Harlem, was on a night out with friends on Saturday, before a group of men violently beat her, after discovering that the women were transgender. The incident took place near West 148th Street and Eighth Avenue.
The victim died on Thursday, after doctors removed her ventilator, according to reports.
Police confirmed to DNA Info that Nettles was taken off life support after being pronounced brain dead from her injuries.
Paris Wilson, 20, was arrested in connection with the attack. He was initially charged with misdemeanor assault. Police said his charge was expected to be increased.
New York City police last week said they were looking for six suspects involved in a homophobic attack in Chelsea. Six people targeted two gay men as they left a cinema holding hands on West 24th Street, and beat them whilst hurling verbal anti-gay abuse.
According to Nettles’ LinkedIn page, she had planned to work in the fashion industry. “Fashion became a definite decision for my life after my first show with my hand designed garments in high school at the 11th grade,” she wrote.
