Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

In early April, I published an update on the investigations into the killing of trans neighbors here in the US in 2023, to date. I’m updating now. In April, we had reported on the deaths of eight individuals, today we have

It is important for us to follow these stories and push for justice. Justice for the victims, but also for the general public. None of us are served when killers walk free without being held accountable.

Twelve reported deaths in 2023 and surprisingly some updates in all but one case. Six arrests, two persons of interest identified, two videos released, one independent autopsy identifying law enforcement officers as the the cause of death, and one case with no update mostly likely because she was killed in a murder-suicide. I’ve also included the recent update in the 2020 murder of Brian Egypt Powers in Akron and an update in 2022 murder of Marquis ‘MJ’ Jackson in Philadelphia.

This is our list of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming neighbors who have been victims of the campaign of terror in 2023. Please do not copy, modify, or share this list without attribution.  

1. Jasmine ‘Star’ Mack – District of Columbia, January 7, 2023. Age 36.
2. KC Johnson – Wilmington, North Carolina, January 13, 2023. Age 27.
3. Tortuguita – Weelaunee Forest, Georgia, January 18, 2023. Age 26.
4. Unique Banks – Chicago, Illinois, January 23, 2023. Age 21.
5. Zachee Imanitwitaho – Louisville, Kentucky, February 3, 2023. Age 26.
6. Maria Jose Rivera Rivera – Houston, Texas, January 21, 2023. Age 22.
7. Cashay Henderson – Milwaukee, Wisconsin, February 27, 2023. Age 31.
8. Tasiyah ‘Siyah’ Woodland – Mechanicsville, Maryland, March 24, 2023. Age 18
9. Ashley Burton – Atlanta, Georgia, April 11, 2023. Age 37.
10. Rasheeda Williams – Atlanta, Georgia, April 18, 2023. Age 35.
11. Banko Brown – San Francisco, California, April 27, 2023. Age 24.
12. Ashia Davis – Detroit, Michigan, June 2, 2023. Age 34.

Continue to pay attention.

Ashley Burton

According to The Advocate, Darius Mills, 31, will be charged with murder, armed robbery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Mills is already in jail for another crime.

Rasheeda Williams

According to a police statement, homicide detectives were able to secure arrest warrants for Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony against 17-year-old Jermarcus Jernigan.  He claims he is innocent and is being held without bond.

Banko Brown

Video footage of the shooting of this young man has been released, but the security guard who shot him has not been charged. Banko’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. This case remains highly visible as the community puts intense pressure on the District Attorney to take action.

Ashia Davis

Video footage of a suspect has been released. Friends and family have announced that they did safely locate Ashia’s dog. A GoFundMe has been announced

Marquis ‘MJ’ Jackson

In April 2023, a 40-year-old man, Charles Mitchell, was arrested in Nevada by US Marshalls. Officials had said arrests warrants were issued for Mitchell in January for murder, abuse of corpse and tampering with evidence. He was considered “armed and dangerous,” according to authorities.