Transgender Woman Shot Dead In Detroit, Murder Suspect Arrested The Same Day

A 33-year-old transgender woman was shot and killed in Detroit and now a suspect faces murder charges.

On Aug. 31, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced it charged Deontae Antoine Close, 31, in connection to the case. He is accused of killing Deangelo Ricks, who went by the name “Dede.”

Around 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 27, Detroit police responded to a home for a reported shooting.

When they arrived, they found Dede on the ground with gunshot wounds to her back and left chest, according to prosecutors. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Close was identified as a suspect and arrested the same day. A motive in the shooting has not been released.

Close was charged with second-degree murder and felony firearm. He is being held in jail on $500,000 bond.

“This is beyond concerning that this is the second trans murder in less than two weeks. The cases do not appear to be related. However, we have seen this happen before and hope that this does not become a pattern. While some protections for transgender citizens in Michigan are finally beginning to be recognized, their lives are still very much in danger,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.