Hate Crime Victim Duanna Johnson Shot to Death

On the night of Sunday, November 9, Duanna Johnson was shot to death in North Memphis, Tenn.  Her body was found lying in the street. After a witness reportedly heard gunshots, three people were seen fleeing the crime scene. Investigators have yet to identify any suspects.

This tragic news comes after Johnson, a transgender woman, was verbally assaulted and brutally beaten by two Memphis police officers in June.  A video of the attack was leaked and both police officers were fired from the department.  According to Memphis' ABC24-CW30, Johnson was trying to leave Memphis and move back to her hometown of Chicago.  She had filed suit against the city for a violation of civil rights.  GLAAD coverage link is here.

NBJC had issued a statement denouncing her beating earlier this year, available here.