Authorities in Philadelphia are investigating the killing of Kyra Kruz, a 27-year-old transgender woman found fatally shot in the city’s Frankford area. Kruz was last seen at a WaWa convenience store about half a mile from the wooded area where police found her body on September 3. No arrests have been made in the case, and investigators are asking those with information about the crime to come forward.
Kruz was active and well-known in the Philadelphia LGBT community, having worked in HIV/AIDS outreach at the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Initiative, and participating in Pride events for which she designed costumes and choreographed dances. Gloria Casarez, director of the city’s Office of LGBT Affiars, said of Kruz, "She was a visible, friendly presence. This has been surprising and upsetting to all of us." Friends are planning to hold a vigil for Kruz at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the William Way LGBT Community Center.
GLAAD offers condolences to family and friends of Kyra Kruz and urges the media to report clearly and respectfully on this and other incidents of violence against transgender women of color.
See the graphic below, Violence Against Transgender People and People of Color is Disproportionately High, LGBTQH Murder Rate Peaks:
