On September 8, 2024, Redd, also known as Barbie, a 25-year-old Black trans woman, was fatally shot in the 4500 block of West Monroe Street in Chicago, Illinois. The incident occurred early Sunday morning around 1:36 a.m. when Redd and another person were shot by an unidentified male who had earlier approached their group and then returned with a gun about 30 minutes later.
According to eyewitness accounts, Redd and her friends were gathered on a street corner when the suspect walked past their group to talk to someone in another group nearby. He then left the area but returned with a gun and opened fire. Redd suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the back and legs, and police found 15 shell casings at the scene, all from a rifle. The other person was critically injured and taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Redd was declared dead at the scene. Her cousin, Mariyah Phillips, described the close relationship they shared, having grown up together in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. Redd had transitioned at the age of 16 and found a supportive community among her chosen family members. A memorial balloon release was held in her honor, highlighting the significant impact she had on those who knew her.
The shooting is currently under investigation by Chicago police, with no arrests made as of September 12, 2024. Family members and friends are calling for a hate crime investigation into Redd's death. The incident has sparked concerns about the ongoing violence against the transgender community, with Redd being at least the 26th transgender person to be killed in the United States in 2024.
Redd was known for her vibrant personality, enjoying activities such as doing her hair and nails, and was a fan of Nicki Minaj. Her social media profiles reflected her bold and vivacious nature, emphasizing her insistence on being respected and acknowledged. Her death has been widely reported and mourned by the community, highlighting the need to address the epidemic of violence against transgender individuals.
