Aniya Knee Parker, a 47-year-old transgender woman, was tragically killed on October 2, 2014, in East Hollywood, Los Angeles. Parker was walking down North Kenmore Avenue around 3 a.m. when she encountered three men. A dispute ensued, escalating into a struggle over Parker's purse. Surveillance footage captured the altercation, showing Parker attempting to flee before being shot. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she was pronounced dead at 5:05 a.m.
The purse, containing $24, was left at the scene, indicating a botched robbery attempt.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) launched an investigation, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Parker's killers. Initially, the police did not believe her death was related to her gender identity. However, members of the LGBT community, including Christopher Argyros from the LA LGBT Center’s Anti-Violence Project, suggested that Parker might have been targeted due to her identity, highlighting the frequent violence faced by transgender individuals.
The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects. Ulises Carcamo, a documented gang member, was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree robbery, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Eric Carreon Carrillo, who was 17 at the time of the crime, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and received a nine-year prison sentence. Carrillo testified against Carcamo as part of a plea deal. The police emphasized that the murder stemmed from a narcotics transaction and robbery, not a hate crime.
The case drew significant attention from both the public and the LGBT community, prompting calls for justice and increased awareness of the violence against transgender individuals. Despite the tragic circumstances, the swift police work and community involvement were crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
