Police are investigating a gruesome discovery in Fort Myers, Florida. As a Florida federal appeals lawyer explains, a transgender woman’s body was found murdered, burned and left in a dumpster.
The Murder Case
Police in Fort Myers are tracking down leads in the homicide of 31-year-old Yaz’min Shancez. Ms Shancez’s remains were found burned and left in a dumpster behind Budget Truck Rental facility in Fort Myers. Ms. Shancez was born Eddie James but has been living as a transgendered woman. At this point, police do not feel that anything in their investigation points to Shancez’s gender as a motivating factor in the murder. Supporters of Shancez disagree, and a Florida federal appeals lawyer explains what they are doing about it.
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How People Are Using Social Media to Support the Victim’s Family
Though police leads to not point to the victim’s gender as a motivator for the crime, supporters have turned to Facebook to help the family. Donations are being sought for their benefit. Many in the community do not agree with police and feel the crime was motivated by hate or disdain for the victim’s identity. A spokesperson for GLAAD also indicated that the most frequent targets of violence or hate crimes tends to be transgender women of color. As an appeals attorney explains, Ms. Schancez was African-American.
Police have indicated they are investigating this crime as they would any other homicide. GLAAD has also reported that 13 of the 18 homicides related to sexual orientation were perpetrated against transgender women. Time will tell if this killing will be added to that statistic.
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If you or a loved one would like to discuss your case with an experienced, compassionate Florida appeals lawyer, contact Brownstone Law. You can schedule an appointment with a member of our legal team by calling 855.776.2773.
