On January 18, 2010, the body of 51-year-old transgender woman Myra Chanel Ical, born Ruben Dario Ical, was discovered in a field near 4300 Garrott Street in the Montrose area of Houston, Texas. Originally from Guatemala, she had lived in Houston for at least two decades. Her body was found partially clothed, bearing numerous bruises and defensive wounds, indicating she had fought back against her attacker.
An autopsy later confirmed that she died from ligature strangulation, and her death was ruled a homicide.
At the time of discovery, Myra Chanel Ical had no identification on her person and was last seen wearing a black blouse, black sweater, and blue jeans. The field where she was found was known for homeless encampments, drug use, and prostitution, though police emphasized that Ical had no known history of involvement in such activities. Investigators noted that her jewelry and cash were missing, suggesting robbery might have been a motive. However, no clear motive was established, and authorities did not classify the murder as a hate crime.
The Houston Police Department reported that there were no known witnesses and no suspects had been identified. As of the last available updates, no arrests had been made in connection with the murder of 51-year-old Guatemalan transgender woman Myra Chanel Ical. Her death was one of several unsolved murders of transgender individuals in the Houston area over the preceding decade, prompting concern and calls for justice from the local LGBTQ+ community.
A candlelight vigil was held on January 25, 2010, at the site where her body was found. It drew around 200 mourners and was described as one of the largest transgender memorial events in Houston's history. Friends and advocates remembered Ical as a kind and resilient person who had struggled economically but remained proud of her identity. The Transgender Foundation of America played a key role in organizing the vigil and raising awareness about the case, urging the public to come forward with any information that might help solve the crime.
