Pregnant Florida Trans Man Killed by Partner in Apparent Murder-Suicide

A pregnant transgender man in Florida was killed Friday by his partner, who then died by suicide.

Camdyn Rider, 21, died after being shot several times in front of witnesses near the couple’s home in Winter Haven, and his unborn child could not be saved, according to multiple media reports, some of which misgendered him. His partner, Riley John Groover, 26, then shot and killed himself.

“This was a violent and horrific double murder that ended the lives of a 21-year-old [person] who was eight months pregnant, and [his] unborn baby,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, according to Florida TV station WTSP. “When the suspect became enraged, family members and neighbors did everything they could to help [Rider] get away from him. Please keep this family in your prayers.”

Groover’s mother, who shared their home, told local media her son used her gun to shoot Rider. She kept the gun for protection, she said. The couple were engaged to be married but had argued frequently, friends and family said. Some of the arguments resulted in physical violence but were not reported to police.

Groover did have a police record arising from incidents with others. In 2014, he was firing BB pellets into the window of the home of a person he’d been harassing, and when sheriff’s deputies tried to arrest him, he kicked and punched them, the Law & Crime blog reports. He was convicted of battery on a law enforcement officer and placed on juvenile criminal release.

In 2016 and 2018, police responded to reports that Groover was attacking family members with knives and other weapons, but no charges resulted. In the latter incident, “the victim signed a waiver saying she just wanted Groover to keep taking his medications and receive treatment for his autism,” according to Law & Crime. When he started undergoing treatment, prosecutors decided not to charge him.

Rider had posted on social media that he was excited about becoming a father. He had many interests, including travel, camping, art, music, and “paranormal television shows” such as Supernatural, Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents reports. “His social media [was] filled with humor, wit, and wry observations,” the site notes. However, his posts also referred to relationship problems and suicidal ideation among teens.

That site and others have pointed out the high rate of intimate partner violence faced by trans people. “There are so many red flags here, it takes real effort not to see them,” Sue Kerr writes at Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents. “Everyone in this scenario needed help — the murderer, his family, Camdyn’s family, and Camdyn.”

Libs of TikTok and other anti-trans forces, however, are mocking Rider’s identity. “It is sickening, but not surprising,” Kerr observes.

Rider is at least the 15th trans person to die by violence in the U.S. this year. There are likely many more victims whose deaths go unreported or misreported due to deadnaming and misgendering.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is for people of all ages and identities. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.