Detectives searching for killer of transgender woman

A teenager is facing a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the brutal killing of India Clarke, a Black transgender woman from Tampa. That investigation came to close Tuesday night when Keith Lamayne Gaillard, 18, turned himself into detectives.

Gaillard had an outstanding arrest warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Clarke was found dead July 21 near a playground at the University Area Community Center.

Investigators found Gaillard’s DNA under Clarke’s fingernails and a used condom in Clarke’s auto, which was parked a short distance from the body, the affidavit said.

Deputies said that Gaillard has what they described as an “extensive” criminal history. The report notes that Gaillard told several witnesses he was responsible for the shooting and that a photo of Gaillard with a. 22 caliber revolver was found on his Facebook page. Gaillard’s fingerprint was found on a cigar wrapper in the vehicle, the affidavit said.

The witness also said Gaillard was carrying a tote bag in which he routinely carries his firearm in.

Witnesses saw a scratch on Gaillard’s neck consistent with a fight, deputies said. According to family and friends, Clarke was living as a transgender woman and known as “India”. Several witnesses came forward and identified Gaillard as the person in that Facebook photo. Additional interviews conducted with witnesses revealed a personal relationship between the Gaillard and Clarke. The firearm was recovered by the Tampa Police Department.

No one has been charged in Clarke’s death.