On March 3, 2021, 23-year-old Diamond "Kyree" Sanders, a transgender woman of color, was found shot in a parking lot on Morrison Avenue in Clifton, Cincinnati, OH. She was taken to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. The Cincinnati Police Department determined that her death was not a hate crime but rather a tragic outcome of a robbery.
Despite this, the Human Rights Campaign highlighted Sanders' death, emphasizing the high rates of violence against transgender women of color.
In the aftermath of her death, three individuals were arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. Franchez Rivers, 33, Christopher Hisle, 28, and Kiara Davis, 29, faced charges of murder, aggravated robbery, and felonious assault. Rivers was arraigned with a $2 million bond, while Hisle and Davis were also implicated in the crime. The investigation into Sanders' death continued, with authorities not providing further details on the motive behind the robbery.
The case gained national attention, sparking discussions about the safety and protection of transgender individuals, especially trans women of color. Sanders' obituary described her as a vibrant person who loved fashion, travel, and spending time with her family. Her death left a significant impact on her loved ones and the community, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals in society.
