In the late evening of August 31, 2021, 33-year-old Devin M. Cooper, a Black transgender woman who was known to her loved ones as Sacoya, left her home in Columbus, Ohio. She was last seen at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Howey Road and Weldon Avenue in the northern part of the city. Sacoya, who stood at 5'5" and weighed around 145 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, was dressed in a black and white horizontally striped summer dress and black and white Baby Phat
sandals. She departed from her residence with the intention of going to a nearby convenience store to buy bottled water. Sacoya left in her black 2009 Ford Fusion and was never heard from again. The following day, September 1, after she failed to return home, her partner reported her missing to the Columbus Division of Police.
The investigation into Sacoya's disappearance began, and as days turned into weeks with no contact, her family grew increasingly concerned, stating that it was highly uncharacteristic for her to be out of touch with them. A significant development in the case came in October 2021 when her Ford Fusion was discovered abandoned on the west side of Columbus. Investigators noted that the vehicle had a different license plate than its original one when it was found. Authorities were able to collect some unspecified evidence from the car. Early in the investigation, the police received a couple of tips, but those leads eventually ran dry. Her loved ones expressed that this lack of communication was entirely out of character for her.
As the investigation continued, law enforcement officials began to suspect that Devin "Sacoya" Cooper may have been a victim of foul play. By February 2022, the Columbus Division of Police held a press conference to appeal to the public for more information, admitting that they had run out of leads to further their investigation. Sacoya's family also pleaded with the community for any information that could help bring her home. The case remains an open and active investigation, with the central question of what happened to Sacoya after she left for the convenience store still unanswered. The discovery of her car with a different license plate and the uncharacteristic silence have led authorities to believe her disappearance is suspicious. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to her whereabouts.Last Seen: Aug 31, 2021
