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Minneapolis Prosecutors Investigate Killing of Transgender Woman as Possible Hate Crime

(CNN) — Prosecutors in Minneapolis are currently conducting an investigation to determine whether the recent killing of a transgender woman should be charged as a hate crime. Local activists have expressed concerns about the safety of the transgender community in the city, following the death of Savannah Williams last month.

On November 29, Savannah Williams tragically lost her life after being shot in the head. A man named Damarean Kaylon Bible is currently facing charges of second-degree murder in relation to the incident, as stated in the criminal complaint.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has stated that if the investigation reveals sufficient evidence to prove bias motivation beyond a reasonable doubt, appropriate charges will be filed. She expressed her commitment to prosecuting accordingly.

The complaint reveals that the suspect, Damarean Kaylon Bible, admitted to investigators that he shot Savannah Williams in the head at close range following a sexual encounter. If convicted, Bible could face up to 40 years in prison.

CNN has reached out for comment from Bible’s attorney, but there has been no response so far.

During a news conference last week, Savannah Williams’ sister, Gabrielle Stillday, described her as a “beautiful soul” with a big heart who was deeply loved by her family.

Savannah Williams came from a diverse background, being of Native American and Cuban descent, according to her family.

Minnesota state Rep. Leigh Finke, who is the first transgender person to be elected to the state’s legislature, expressed her belief that the crime is related to Savannah’s Two-Spirit, trans identity. The term “Two-Spirit” is used by some Native American individuals who identify as LGBTQ. This umbrella term refers to those who historically held both masculine and feminine spirits, occupying specialized social and spiritual roles within Indigenous and Native American communities.

Finke acknowledged that it is ultimately up to prosecutors and investigators to determine whether the incident should be classified as a hate crime. Nevertheless, she expressed her support for the efforts of advocates and Williams’ family to raise awareness about the tragic death.

This is not the first act of violence against transgender people in Minneapolis this year. Rep. Leigh Finke highlighted that the killing of Savannah Williams adds to two other notable attacks against the transgender community in the city. Another assault took place at a train station near the location where Williams was murdered.

Amber Muhm, an outreach specialist with The Aliveness Project, an organization in Minneapolis that supports individuals living with or at high risk of HIV, shared that the pattern of attacks has instilled fear and tension within the community. Muhm firmly believes that Williams’ killing should be classified as a hate crime, emphasizing the need for transgender individuals to feel safe while navigating public spaces.

Williams had previously attended a support group for trans women and trans femmes called “Tea Time,” which is co-led by Muhm at The Aliveness Project. The organization expressed its deep sorrow over the loss of Savannah Williams, describing her as a loving partner, family member, and friend who possessed intelligence, kindness, and tenderness.

The tragic loss of another member of the transgender community has caused immense pain for everyone involved. The Aliveness Project expressed their heartfelt condolences in a statement posted on Instagram.

CNN’s Nicole Chavez and Elizabeth Wolfe contributed to this report.

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