In the early morning hours of June 15, 2022, the life of a 28-year-old Black/African American transgender woman, known to her loved ones as Brazil Johnson and also identified as Devon R. Gildart, was tragically cut short in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. near the intersection of Teutonia and Garfield Avenues, where she was discovered with fatal gunshot wounds.
Johnson was a chef who found her passion and safe haven in the kitchen, where she loved to bake and
cook. Her mother, Bernita Gildart, described the immense pain of her loss, stating that her worst nightmare had come true. She remembered her daughter's love for creating in the kitchen and questioned the hate that must have fueled such a violent act. Johnson was shot multiple times, a fact that her mother believes points to a deep-seated hatred.
In the week following the shooting, the Milwaukee police had not identified any suspects or determined a motive for the homicide. The investigation into the circumstances leading up to her death was ongoing, and authorities were seeking unknown suspects. An LGBTQ activist, Elle Halo, highlighted the heartbreaking and increasing trend of violence against Black trans women, emphasizing that facing mortality is a daily reality for the trans community.
As of late June 2022, no arrests had been made in connection with the murder of Brazil Johnson, also known as Devon R. Gildart. Her family continued to plead for answers and for the person or persons responsible to be brought to justice, wanting them to pay for the life they had taken. The community was left mourning the loss of a vibrant individual as the search for those responsible continued.
