In the autumn of 2020, the life of a young woman full of promise was tragically cut short. Brooklyn DeShauna Smith, a 20-year-old Black transgender woman, was killed in her Shreveport, Louisiana, apartment on October 7th. Known for her vibrant personality, Smith was pursuing her passion for cosmetology as a student at Bossier Parish Community College and had also worked as a model and a call center agent.
Her social media posts often showcased her love for cooking and joyful moments with loved ones.
On that Wednesday afternoon, the Shreveport Police Department received a call and dispatched officers to an apartment complex on Bernstein Avenue. Upon arrival, they found Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. The discovery sent a shockwave of grief through her community. Investigators immediately began their work, collecting evidence and speaking with those who knew her, trying to piece together the events that led to her untimely death.
In the initial stages of the investigation, law enforcement officials acknowledged they were considering whether Smith's gender identity played a role in her murder. While a police spokesperson hinted at the possibility of a suspect, no arrests were made, and no persons of interest were publicly named. The case remained under investigation, leaving friends, family, and the broader community searching for answers and justice.
The absence of a resolution in Smith's case has been a source of ongoing pain for those who mourn her. Despite the passage of time, there have been no subsequent announcements of arrests or significant breakthroughs in the investigation into her death. The case stands as a somber reminder of the violence that disproportionately affects transgender women of color, and the quest for justice for Brooklyn DeShauna Smith continues.
