Transgender Woman Beaten, Shot to Death by Group of Men

“The victim’s gender is definitely something that investigators are looking into and we will consider her identity under the umbrella of all motives”. A few minutes later, police say five to six unidentified males began to beat her. At one point, police say, one of the males pulled out a gun and shot her twice in the back while she was on the ground.

Jenkins was jumped by five to six men, physically assaulted, then shot in the back, police said.

Police said the motive for the crime was unknown, and investigators don’t know whether it may have been a hate crime.

Neighbors found the news shocking Tuesday, Philadelphia Police now investigating the murder of who friends tell CBS 3 is 22-year-old Kiesha Jenkins.

Clark said the driver has not come forward, and investigators had no description of the vehicle.

Clark said Jenkins’ relatives were devastated by her death, and he assured them authorities would do everything in their power to find those responsible.

There have been at least 20 transgender women killed in the United States so far this year, according to an August report by Fusion.

The actual number of killings of trans individuals is likely much higher, as family members often don’t report to police or media that a victim identified as transgender.

“The violence against the trans community, specifically trans women of color, is an absolute, widespread national problem”, Nellie Fitzpatrick told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “The solution is in our society – making sure that any level of stigma or lack of access is completely eliminated for everyone”. Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 215-686-3334..