Jenny De Leon Is Fourth Trans Woman Murdered in Florida This Year
Author: Alex Cooper
A 25-year-old Latinx trans woman has been murdered in Tampa, Fla. Authorities say the woman, Jenny De Leon, was found outside of a home on November 2.
At the time, authorities only released her first name and image.
De Leon is one of at least 46 trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people known to have died by violence in the U.S. this year. Much more undoubtedly go unreported or misreported.
“Jenny was an enigmatic, bright soul with enough energy to fill any room,” PFLAG Tampa wrote on Facebook. The group said that she had come out and transitioned while attending PFLAG Tampa meetings.
Her family has organized a fundraiser to help with funeral costs. De Leon’s sister said she was, “a wonderful person with a beautiful soul who touched the lives of those around her. We are all devastated by this deep heartfelt loss.”
PFLAG Tampa will hold its annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil on November 20, and will include De Leon in those the group honors.
“This is a national epidemic — and Black and Latinx trans women continue to be disproportionately impacted by these fatal acts of violence,” Equality Florida wrote on Twitter. “Our hearts are with Jenny’s family, friends, and the community that loved and knew her.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information about De Leon’s murder to contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873-TIPS.
De Leon’s death is only the latest killing of a trans woman in the state this year. Royal Poetical Starz was killed in October in Miami Gardens, Alexus Braxton was found murdered in Miami in February, and Keri Washington was killed in May in Clearwater.
2021 has become the deadliest year for trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people in the U.S. on record.
Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Alex Cooper
