In the summer of 2020, the life of a vibrant 24-year-old Black transgender woman, Queasha D. Hardy, was tragically cut short in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Known to many by her birth name, Kevin Da'Wayne Hardy Jr., she was a beloved figure in her community, celebrated for her skills as a hairstylist and her infectious, lively personality. Her friends and family remember her as the life of any party, someone who loved to sing, dance, and bring laughter to those around her.
On the afternoon of
Monday, July 27, 2020, Queasha was found shot to death in the 1700 block of North Harco Drive. The news of her violent death sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for justice. In the initial aftermath, there was confusion and hurt as law enforcement officials identified her by her birth name, a painful misgendering that was later corrected as friends and advocates spoke out.
The Baton Rouge Police Department launched a homicide investigation into Queasha's death. In the days following the shooting, they appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the identification of a suspect or suspects. Investigators stated at the time that they did not believe she was targeted because she was a transgender woman, but the investigation remained ongoing.
Years have passed since Queasha Hardy's life was taken, and despite the initial efforts of law enforcement and the persistent pleas from her loved ones, her case remains unsolved. As of the third anniversary of her death in July 2023, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The Baton Rouge Police Department and Capital Region Crime Stoppers have made renewed calls for anyone with information to come forward, hoping that a crucial tip might finally bring a measure of closure to a community that continues to mourn her loss.
