Philadelphia police confirmed Tuesday that a 25-year-old transgender woman was the victim of a fatal stabbing late Saturday night in Frankford.
Those in the transgender community have taken to social media to express condolences for Maya Young, a transgender woman of color.
Naiymah Sanchez, coordinator of the Trans-Health Information Project at GALAEI: A Queer Latin@ Social Justice Organization, said the group’s participants started posting and calling about Young over the weekend.
“We saw some kind of headline about a man stabbed to death in Frankford,” Sanchez said, noting people who said they were friends with Young tagged her when posting about the news. “We didn’t put two and two together until we visited Maya’s Facebook page.”
“Nothing is confirmed as far as why she was murdered, who murdered her or what she looked like when she was murdered,” Sanchez said.
The investigation is ongoing with the homicide unit, Philadelphia police said. Anyone with information is asked to call 215-686-3334. There is a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
According to the police report, officers responded to a report of a “stabbing on the highway” near 4900 Griscom St. about 11:50 p.m. Feb. 20. They searched the area and found a victim in the 4800 block of Penn Street.
The victim was suffering from multiple stab wounds to the neck and chest, police said, adding they transported the victim to Aria Health Frankford. Officials pronounced the victim dead at 12:21 a.m. Feb. 21.
Nellie Fitzpatrick, director of the city Office of LGBT Affairs, told PGN that it’s currently an open investigation and she will be able to discuss any further information as police confirm the details.
Sanchez said GALAEI will host a Trans* Community Discussion to talk about reducing risks and developing resources. It takes place 6 p.m. March 11 at GALAEI, 149 W. Susquehanna Ave.
“It’s a transgender issue, but it’s a Philadelphia issue as well,” Sanchez said. “There’s so much violence in the city.”
Sanchez also said there is a need to develop resources for transgender people in all parts of Philadelphia. She noted Frankford has a growing LGBT population.