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Brianna Hill Is the 20th Confirmed Trans Homicide This Year
Brianna Hill Is the 20th Confirmed Trans Homicide This Year
All but one of the known victims this year have been women of color, including Hill.
Another transgender woman of color has been murdered -- Brianna "BB" Hill of Kansas City, Mo.
Hill's death means that 20 homicides of trans Americans have been reported this year. There is one more victim who may have been trans, but that person's identity is in dispute.
Hill was shot to death Monday morning on the east side of Kansas City, local TV station KCTV reports. The person who police believe committed the crime remained at the scene and was taken into custody; the suspect's name has not been released. Police are trying to determine a motive.
Another trans woman, Brooklyn Lindsey, 32, was fatally shot in the city in June. Police arrested Marcus Lewis, 41, in July. He is charged with second-degree murder, felony armed criminal action, and felony unlawful possession of a firearm.
Ja'leyah-Jamar Berryman was killed in September across the state line in Kansas City, Kan. Initial reports identified the victim as a trans woman, but Berryman's family released a video saying Berryman was male. The Advocate has removed Berryman from its count of trans homicide victims for now but is seeking more information.
Of the 20 confirmed trans American homicide victims this year, all but one have been trans women of color. Of course, the number of trans people murdered in any year is probably greater than that publicly reported, as victims may be misgendered by police or media, or their deaths not reported at all.
Constant reports of violence against our community are difficult to read, especially as we continue to face historic rates. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you can reach out to the Anti-Violence Project's free bilingual (English/Spanish) national hotline at (212) 714-1141 or report online for support.
