Thanks to city funding and a community donation, investigators may be one step closer to find the killer of local transwoman Kyra Cordova
A sizeable reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for killing local transgender woman Kyra Cordova.
A $25,000 reward was announced in the case this week, and is being facilitated by the Citizens Crime Commission.
Cordova, 27, was shot to death Sept. 3 in a wooded area off the 1100 block of Adams Avenue in Frankford. No suspect or motive has been identified.
The reward was made possible through a $5,000 anonymous donation from an LGBT community member and from $20,000 in city money, drawn from a fund used to support homicide investigations.
Anyone with information in the case is urged to contact the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS (5477).
Tipsters receive a code when leaving information that would be used to collect the reward if and when their tip leads to the arrest and conviction of the murderer.
Gloria Casarez, the city’s director of LGBT affairs, said this method lessens the resistance some LGBT community members may have in dealing with police.
“Folks may have information but could be reluctant to talk to police, especially given how they initially handled this case,” she said. “So we thought the Citizens Crime Commission was a great way to go. It’s an independent, external body where you don’t have to talk directly to an office but can leave information on a tip line. It’s a good way to address that potential barrier.”
In partnership with the commission, WPVI will air a segment on Cordova featuring an interview with her mother in the coming weeks and post information on the case on its website.
Casarez said she’s hopeful the reward will bring investigators closer to an arrest.
“I see it as a huge boost to getting people’s attention and hopefully getting resolution on the case,” she said. “Anyone who has information who hasn’t come forward may have a reason to share what they know now.”
Elicia Gonzales, executive director of Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative, where Cordova formerly worked as an HIV tester, said the reward shows that people are “fed up and will not take violent acts against our community any longer.”
“Someone knows something and isn’t saying,” she said. “I hope this gives people the courage to tell the truth and bring justice for Kyra.”
Police said this week that the case is moving forward.
“We have good direction and are hoping to bring this one in soon,” said police spokesperson Lt. Ray Evers.
Surveillance video from a nearby Wawa showed Cordova purchasing two drinks and two sandwiches but she was alone at the time.
Evers declined to specify if the police have identified a specific suspect or person of interest.
“We have some good direction in reference to the evidence that was recovered that could be leading us to a possible suspect,” he said.
Supporters — including community leaders, city officials and friends and family of the victim — have held several Justice for Kyra meetings, which Gonzales said have been productive.
“Considering the layers of complexity involved in Kyra’s murder, it’s been incredibly powerful and eye-opening to see the collaboration,” she said. “Folks are still healing, grieving and are sad and angry, but they’ve come together for this incredibly intense purpose and mission.”
The group in the future plans to work to raise awareness about trans-related violence but, right now, is focusing solely on finding Cordova’s murderer.
“Time is of the essence,” Gonzales said. “Our priority is working with police and making sure folks are spreading the word. There is still a killer out there.”
Cordova’s family will participate in this Saturday’s Philly Trans* March, and special tributes will be shared in her honor. The march begins at 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at Love Park.