Ninth black trans woman killed in the US this year
The ninth trans black woman has been killed this year in the US.
Chayviss ‘Chay’ Darice Reed was shot dead on Friday in Miami-Dade County, Florida, according to local news station WPLG.
Reed, a 28-year-old Florida native, was reportedly shot in the stomach several times while running across the street late at night.
The murderer fled the scene and is still on the run.
Her gender was initially reported incorrectly, due to false reports from the crime scene.
Reed’s murder follows those of eight other trans black women this year.
In Louisiana, Jaquarrius Holland, 18, Chyna Dupree, 31, and Ciara McElveen, 21, have all been killed.
Tiara Richmond, 24, was murdered in Illinois, Mesha Caldwell, 41, died in Mississippi, Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, 28, was killed in South Dakota, and Jojo Striker, 23, was shot dead in Ohio.
The most recent murder before Reed’s was of Alphonza Watson, 38, who was killed on March 22 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Over the weekend, Reed’s friends paid tribute to her.
Patina Peterson told Mic that Reed “was a light, always trying to make everyone around her happy.
“I don’t even remember her getting into anything.
“I don’t remember seeing her in an altercation out there with anybody in a bad way. I’ve never seen that.”
Peterson fondly remembered late nights talking and laughing with Reed, as well as her friend’s dancing ability.
She said she was considering planning a vigil in the area where Reed was killed.
Another friend, Lizleime Fernandez wrote online, saying: “My heart is so broken…we have lost such a wonderful person.”
The Human Rights Campaign expressed its sadness at the news, calling Reed’s death “tragic”.
“Her death marks yet another dark moment for the transgender community, which is plagued with disproportionately higher rates of violence.
“HRC extends its sincere condolences to Ms Reed’s family and friends.”
