Ramiro Reyes-Hernandez, a 37-year-old Latino transgender woman, was tragically murdered on May 31, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois. Known to her friends and family as Selena, she was shot multiple times in her home in the Marquette Park neighborhood. The incident occurred after an 18-year-old high school student, Orlando Perez, discovered that Selena was transgender.
According to prosecutors, Perez was so upset by this revelation that he shot her twice initially and then returned to shoot her again in the back and head.
The case quickly drew attention due to its brutal nature and the underlying issues of transphobia. Perez was arrested shortly after the murder and charged with first-degree murder. He had no prior criminal record and had been working summer jobs at a local factory. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Perez had confessed to the crime, stating his motive was his anger upon learning about Selena's gender identity.
In the subsequent legal proceedings, Perez was held without bail and eventually pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. In September 2023, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Selena Reyes-Hernandez. This case highlighted the ongoing violence faced by transgender individuals and sparked discussions about the need for greater protections and awareness.
