On November 14, 2023, Kejuan Richardson, a 21-year-old gender nonconforming gay Black man from Toledo, Ohio, was tragically killed in a shooting incident. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. when officers were dispatched to the area of Rosedale and Bluff in Toledo.
Kejuan Richardson was found suffering from gunshot wounds along with his best friend, Amiri Jean Reid (also known as Jae'Juan Reid), also 21 years old and identified as a Black trans woman.
Both victims were transported to Toledo Hospital in critical condition. Sadly, they were both declared dead shortly after arrival. The Lucas County Coroner's Office performed autopsies on November 15, 2023, revealing that Richardson died from two gunshot wounds to the head and neck, while Reid succumbed to two gunshot wounds to the head.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting indicate that Richardson and Reid were in a vehicle that appeared to have run off the road and had a window shot out. The incident is being investigated as a homicide, with both deaths classified as such by the coroner's office.
Kejuan Richardson, born and raised in Toledo, was a graduate of Woodward High School and had been working at KFC since 2018. He was known for his love of The Avengers movies, basketball, and supporting local businesses, especially restaurants.
As of the most recent available information, no arrests have been reported in connection with this case. The Toledo Police Department initially stated that no suspects had been identified. They urged anyone with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111.
The deaths of Kejuan Richardson and Amiri Jean Reid have deeply affected the LGBTQ+ community, particularly highlighting the ongoing violence against transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Their tragic passing has been noted in various reports and memorials dedicated to victims of anti-transgender violence.
