Tragic Indianapolis Homicide is Latest in Ongoing Murders of Transgender Women

WASHINGTON, DC, November 3, 2014 — The Indianapolis Metro Police has announced they are investigating the murder of Ashley Sherman, a transgender women killed in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her death is the latest in a string of ongoing homicides targeting transgender women of color taking place across the U.S. Last Wednesday, Ashley’s family and friends held a vigil where her body was found that was attended by nearly 100 people.

“We are deeply disturbed with the ongoing murders targeting transgender women, specifically African-American and Latina transgender women, taking place across the nation. Ten transgender women of color have been murdered this year alone and there seems to be no end in sight for these homicides.

“No one should ever live in fear of being killed simply because of who they are, including transgender women. Hate crimes and anti-LGBTQ violence continues to be a serious problem in our country, and we can and must do more to prevent these senseless attacks.

“We urge the local authorities to swiftly investigate Ashley’s murder and call on them to use every tool in their power to bring justice to the victim’s family and her loved ones. We will continue to monitor the case and provide support to local transgender communities throughout the country that are working to end anti-transgender violence,” said Kylar Broadus, Transgender Civil Rights Project Director, National LGBTQ Task Force

The National LGBTQ Task Force recently launched a public education campaign, #StopTransMurders, on anti-transgender violence and is working with the transgender community leaders throughout the country to bring an end to the ongoing violent epidemic.

Anyone with information about Ashley’s murder is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS or report it online at crimetips.org.

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