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Trans woman Kaitoria Bankz killed in attempted carjacking in Alabama

transgender memorial candle alongside Kaitoria Kai Bankz National Gun Violence Memorial photo

Honoring the life of Kaitoria "Kai" Bankz

A suspect has been arrested and charged with murder.

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Black transgender woman Kaitoria “Kai” Bankz, 31, was shot to death Monday night — on Transgender Day of Visibility — in what was likely an attempted carjacking in Autaugaville, Alabama.

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Bankz was a staff member with the Knights and Orchids Society, a regional LGBTQ+ rights organization. Her brother, whose name has not been released, was shot in the head but survived, TV station WSFA reports.

Kelmen Merrell King, 27, of Autaugaville, turned himself in to police Tuesday morning. He has been charged with murder and attempted murder, Autauga County Sheriff Mark Harrell told WSFA.

King and Bankz had communicated online before meeting and had apparently planned a sexual encounter, the sheriff said. It wasn’t clear why Bankz’s brother accompanied her or if she was targeted for being trans. But when they connected, King tried to commit a carjacking, according to Harrell, who said there will probably be more arrests in the case.

Bankz was “a cherished staff member” at the Knights and Orchids Society, and she “was taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence” said a statement from Executive Director TC Caldwell. “Kai was a bright light in our organization,” Caldwell continued. “Her bold presence inspired everyone around her. She was making significant contributions in LGBTQ+ work through health coordination, community support, and advocacy.”

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“Kai was the embodiment of TKO’s mission to build power within our community,” Caldwell added. “Her drive and dedication to providing life-saving services to our clients exemplified our commitment to helping Black TLGB+ people across the South live full and healthy lives free from harm.

“Kai was actively involved in fellowships and worked with various advocacy groups, constantly seeking ways to improve not only her own life but the lives of those around her. Her clients, many of whom relied on her for critical support services, will deeply feel her absence.”

“My heart breaks hearing about the death of Kaitoria Bankz,” said a statement from Victoria Kirby York, director of public policy and programs at the National Black Justice Collective. “It is clear with Kai, like all our trans siblings taken too early, that they had plans for the future, a full life they hoped to live, and goals they wished to accomplish. It is essential that we remember the lives taken are not just statistics in the ongoing epidemic of violence, but real people with full lives, hopes, and desires. As Kai died on Trans Day of Visibility, we must make sure trans people are not only visible when they are suffering, but when they are joyful and thriving. I also want to thank Kai for all the work she did to serve the community and mourn all she would have accomplished. It is up to all of us to honor her with actions supporting and uplifting the transgender community and her life’s mission to connect mental health care to those who need it most.”

Bankz, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, "liked Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Kehlani, Ciara, Doja Cat, Big Freedia and many other musical artists," Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents reports. "Her Facebook profile is filled with her colorful hair, makeup, and nail styles."

A memorial balloon release will be held Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Monticello Apartments complex in Montgomery.