In the summer of 2025, the life of 27-year-old Kamora Woods, a Black transgender woman, was tragically cut short in her Indianapolis apartment. On June 26th, after friends and family were unable to reach her, Woods' mother, Danielle Dehoniesto, went to her daughter's apartment in the 6400 block of Maidstone Road on the city's northwest side. In a heart-wrenching discovery, she found her daughter deceased inside.
Woods had sustained a fatal gunshot wound.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department homicide detectives launched an investigation into her death. Their efforts led them to a suspect, James Wallace, a 24-year-old man. A crucial piece of evidence that linked Wallace to the scene was a fingerprint found on a condom wrapper inside the apartment. Investigators also utilized surveillance video and rideshare information to place Wallace at Woods' apartment around the time of the murder. According to court documents, when initially questioned, Wallace denied knowing Woods or being at her apartment. However, when confronted with video evidence from a doorbell camera, his story changed. He then claimed to have been drugged and assaulted by Woods, an allegation not supported by the evidence found at the scene. Wallace admitted to shooting Woods but claimed he thought he had shot her in the foot. He also confessed to taking her cellphone to prevent her from calling for help and with the intention of pawning it.
James Wallace was subsequently arrested and faced multiple charges, including murder and robbery. In a plea agreement, Wallace pleaded guilty to murder and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon. As a result of the agreement, an additional murder charge and a charge of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury were dismissed. A judge sentenced Wallace to 45 years in prison for the murder of Kamora Woods. He received an additional three years for a violation of Marion County Community Corrections.
