Suspect Arrested in Trans Woman Kiesha Jenkins’s Murder

“They rob a lot of different types of individuals”, Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Capt. James Clark told reporters of Redding and his co-conspirators.

“It’s a sad and senseless murder, but it is not a hate crime”, Clark said.

A Philadelphia man with a history of violence stands accused of being involved in a robbery plot that led to the murder of a young transgender woman last week.

Clark said police believe Redding and his cohorts suspected people may have been carrying money in the high-prostitution area where Jenkins was killed.

Clark said he is hopeful that police will catch the other three men wanted in Jenkins’ murder quickly.

“We have to stop assuming that this is a hate crime”, says Naiymah Sanchez, also of TIP, speaking as a member of the LGBTQ community after news of an arrest was announced.

Clark said he expected additional arrests shortly.

Police say the 22-year-old was found beaten and shot inside Hunting Park, at 13th and Wingohocking Streets. Redding has four prior arrests, including assault, narcotics, weapons violation and robbery.

The men attacked her and Jenkins fell to the ground during the beating.

Investigators do not believe Jenkins was targeted because of her gender identity and therefore are not investigating her death as a hate crime. “But she gave a valiant fight, and that is why one of them pulled out a gun and shot and killed her”.

“My understanding is she did fight back as they were assaulting her”, Clark said.

Jenkins had just gotten out of a auto at around 2:30 a.m. on October 6, when she was attached by a group of five of six men, witnesses told police.

One man is in jail and three others are being sought by police in connection with the murder last week of trans woman Keisha Jenkins in Philadelphia, according to NBC 10 in Philly.