Raheem DeVanté Fennell, affectionately known as "Remy" or "Rah Rah," was a 28-year-old Black transgender woman who tragically lost her life on April 15, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Raheem was a loving individual, caring family member, and devoted friend. Born on September 19, 1992, in Newport News, Virginia, Remy was the eldest child of Michele Credle and Roland Fennell. She was known for her bubbly personality, intelligence, and passion for hairstyling.
Remy attended the Virginia School of Hair Design in 2017 and aspired to own a salon someday.
On April 15, 2021, Raheem was found dead in a motel room on North Tryon Street in Charlotte. She had been shot and killed during an alleged attempted robbery. The police identified Joel Brewer as the suspect and arrested him on April 16, 2021. Brewer was charged with two counts of murder, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Raheem's death was part of a disturbing pattern of violence against transgender individuals in the area. Just 11 days before her death, another Black transgender woman, Jadae Peterson, was found dead in a motel room in Charlotte. The similarities between the two cases led the police to connect the killings and arrest two men, Joel Brewer and Dontarius Long, on charges of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon. Brewer was also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
The loss of Raheem and Jadae highlighted the ongoing violence faced by transgender individuals, particularly Black transgender women. Advocacy groups, such as the Human Rights Campaign, called for increased awareness and action to address this violence and ensure the safety and well-being of transgender individuals.
