Savvy Williams, a beloved 23-year-old, was tragically shot in the head on November 29. A man, reportedly Damarean Kaylon Bible, 25, was charged with second-degree murder in connection to her death[1]. If the investigation uncovers sufficient proof of a bias-driven motive, authorities will pursue charges accordingly, said Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County's district attorney, during a CNN interview[1].
The alleged perpetrator confessed to shooting Williams from close range following an argument after sex, according to court documents[1]. Williams' family has described her as a beautiful soul with a generous heart, adored by her relatives[1].
Leigh Fink, Minnesota's first transgender legislator and Queer Caucus chair, finds it challenging to believe that Williams' murder was unrelated to her transgender identity[2]. Two-Spirit, a collective term used by some indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities, refers to individuals who historically embody both masculine and feminine spirits and assumed crucial social and spiritual roles in their communities[2].
Fink acknowledged that the decision regarding any hate crimes rests with the authorities and investigators, but she supports Williams' legal team and family in their efforts to raise awareness about her death[2]. Williams' murder was one of three violent attacks against LGBTQ+ individuals in Minneapolis this year, Fink explains to CNN[2].
A sense of fear and unease has swept through the local community, with violent incidents like these occurring at the city's train station[3]. Amber Mumm, the outreach specialist for The Vitality Project, an organization that aids individuals living with HIV in Minneapolis, described the recent attacks as overtly hate-driven[3].
"We must be able to walk safely on the streets. We must be able to exist in public without constantly fearing for our lives," stated Mumm[3]. Williams reportedly participated in the Tea Time self-help group for transgender women and shared her stories of resilience and determination with fellow members during their meetings[3].
Williams' organisation, The Aliveness Project, issued a statement on Instagram, mourning their loss and speaking fondly of her as a beloved friend and family member[3]. "The death of another member of our transgender community brings us all deep sorrow," read the statement[3].
Sources: [1] [2] [3]
