In the early morning hours of September 19, 2020, the body of Carlos D. 'Aerrion' Burnett, a 37-year-old Black man who identified as a transgender woman, was discovered in a grassy area in Independence, Missouri. Burnett had sustained fatal gunshot wounds just two days before what would have been his 38th birthday. The discovery, which took place around 3:40 a.m.
near East 13th Street and Brookside Avenue, launched a homicide investigation by the Independence Police Department.
Authorities have been looking into the possibility that Burnett's murder was a hate crime. News of his death reverberated through the community, marking another tragic loss in a year that saw a distressing number of violent deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people across the country. Burnett was remembered by friends as a vibrant and joyful person. A candlelight vigil was held where friends and family gathered to mourn and celebrate his life.
The investigation into the shooting death of Carlos 'Aerrion' Burnett remains ongoing as authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the case. Law enforcement has urged anyone with information to come forward and contact the TIPS Hotline to assist in their efforts to bring justice for Burnett and his loved ones. His death adds to the somber statistics of violence against transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color.
