Muhlaysia Booker, a 22-year-old African-American transgender woman from Dallas, Texas, tragically died on May 18, 2019, from a gunshot wound. Her death came just a month after a brutal assault that went viral on social media. On April 12, 2019, Booker and her cousin were leaving a fight at the Royal Crest Apartments when she accidentally backed into another car. The driver demanded payment for the damages, and a crowd gathered around the altercation.
Edward Thomas was offered $200 to assault Booker, and the attack was recorded and uploaded to social media. Booker sustained a concussion and a fractured wrist from the assault. The incident was labeled as 'mob violence' by Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. Thomas was charged with aggravated assault and held without bond, but was later convicted of a lesser charge of misdemeanor assault and sentenced to 300 days in jail.
On the morning of May 18, 2019, Booker was found dead near the Tenison Park Golf Course. Kendrell Lyles, a 34-year-old man, was arrested and charged with her murder. Police discovered phone records placing Lyles in the area and linking him to Booker. In November 2023, Lyles pled guilty to murder and was sentenced to 48 years in prison. He is also charged with the murders of Leticia Grant and Kenneth Cichocki.
Booker's death highlighted the violence faced by the transgender community, and her family and supporters have been vocal in bringing attention to the case. Despite the tragic circumstances, her story has raised awareness and sparked conversations about the need for greater protection and support for transgender individuals.
