A Third Black Trans Woman Has Been Killed Just This Month

A black trans woman was fatally shot Saturday morning while standing outside a Detroit gas station alongside two men.

The two men, whose names were not released, were pronounced dead atthe scene once police responded to an emergency call, and the woman died after being transported to an area hospital. All victims were in their early 20s.

The woman, whose name also has not been made public, is the third trans homicide in May and the seventh murder so far this calendar year, according to The Advocate's tracking.

"This is an active and open investigation. Members of our Homicide Unit are currently working to determine what occurred," Detroit police said.

Not even 10 days before this latest incident, two other trans women were shot to death as the epidemic of violence impacting the trans community continues to grow.

Muhlaysia Booker, 23, was found shot to death on a Dallas street May 18 -- a month after she was beaten by a mob at an apartment complex. Police said they did not yet have enough information to say if her murder was linked to the assault, in which she suffered a concussion and a broken wrist.

In connection with the beating, one man, Edward Dominic Thomas, 29, has been arrested on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and has been released on bond -- other arrests are likely, police say, adding that there is no information linking him to Booker's death.

In Philadelphia, Michelle "Tamika" Washington, 40, who also went by Michelle Simone, died May 19 after suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

"Tamika was a brilliant and outgoing member of Philadelphia's transgender community, known for her advocacy and mentorship, and she will be profoundly missed," Amber Hikes, the executive director of Philadelphia's Office of LGBT Affairs, told local TV station KYW. Washington had also studied nursing at the Community College of Philadelphia.

The day after her death, police arrested Troy Bailey, 28. He was charged with murder and other offenses.

Detroit police have released a photo of a person of interest (above) connected to the most recent case, but not any other information. The suspect is still at large and no arrests have been made.