Itali Marlowe, a 29-year-old Black transgender woman, was tragically killed on September 20, 2019, in Houston, Texas. She was found shot multiple times in the driveway of her home and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The incident occurred around 2 p.m., and witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots.
Raymond Donald Williams, Marlowe's roommate at the time, was identified as the suspect.
Williams, who was 23 years old, was seen fleeing the scene on foot before the arrival of the police. He was later charged with murder by the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office. Despite the charges, Williams remained at large, and authorities urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers.
Marlowe's death marked the fourth known murder of a transgender woman in Texas that year, highlighting the ongoing violence faced by the transgender community, particularly Black transgender women. The Human Rights Campaign and other organizations have called for better legal protections and an end to the violence targeting transgender people.
The case drew significant attention and raised awareness about the dangers faced by transgender individuals, especially those of color. It also underscored the need for stronger hate crime legislation and support for the transgender community. The investigation into Marlowe's murder remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to search for Williams.
