Terribly sad news from Philadelphia – Maya Young, a 25 year old trans woman of color, was stabbed to death Saturday February 20. Police have released no motive and do not have anyone in custody.
Please note the cited media report uses her old name. Misgendering and detailing Maya’s own criminal history – even though there is nothing to indicate it is relevant to her murder – are among the ongoing ways the media perpetuates a culture of violence against trans women, especially trans women of color.
On Facebook, Young posted that she was originally from Vineland, N.J., and attended Buena Regional High School in Atlantic County. She listed her most recent hometown as Philadelphia. Her last public update was from 2012.
Young was stabbed multiple times in the neck and chest sometime before 11:50 p.m. Saturday, police said. Officers were called to the 4900 block of Griscom Street and found the victim nearby in the 4800 block of Penn Street.
Police took her to Aria Health-Frankford Campus, which was less than two blocks away. She was pronounced dead at 12:21
A reward of $20,000 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of her killer. Please call homicide detectives at 215-686-3334 or -3335 with information.
Maya is described by friends with joy and light. I am struggling a bit as I write this, 25 is so young. Two other Philadelphia women were known to have been murdered in 2015, Kiesha Jenkins, 22, and London Kiki Chanel, 21.
I’ll update as information becomes available.
Rest in power, Maya. 25 is far too soon to be free of this mortal coil. You and our other sisters deserve love and all of our respect.
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