Londonn Moore, a 20-year-old Black transgender woman, was tragically found dead on September 8, 2018, in North Port, Florida. Her body was discovered lying in the road on Sawyer Circle, several miles from her hometown of Port Charlotte. Moore had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and her car was found abandoned in a different location the following day.
The initial reports from local media and police misgendered and deadnamed her, which is a common issue faced by transgender individuals in such circumstances.
The North Port Police Department described the incident as an isolated one, suggesting that Moore likely knew her attacker. Despite this, no arrests have been made, and the suspect remains at large. The police have not ruled out the possibility of the crime being a hate crime, although they have not confirmed it either. Activists and LGBTQ+ organizations have highlighted Moore's death as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against transgender women of color, urging for a thorough investigation and greater awareness of the issues faced by the transgender community.
Moore's death marked the fifth murder of a Black transgender woman in Florida in 2018, reflecting a broader national crisis. Earlier in the year, other Black transgender women, including Celine Walker, Antash'a English, Cathalina James, and Sasha Garden, were also murdered in Florida. These cases have drawn attention to the urgent need for action to address the violence and discrimination faced by transgender individuals, particularly those of color.
Equality Florida, a statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization, called on state officials, including then-Governor Rick Scott, to address the rising violence against transgender people. They emphasized the importance of condemning such acts and taking concrete steps to protect vulnerable communities. Despite these calls for action, the investigation into Moore's murder remains open, with no significant developments reported in the years following her death. The lack of progress in solving her case continues to be a source of frustration and concern for her family, friends, and the broader LGBTQ+ community.
