In the early morning hours of December 26, 2021, Ke-Yohnna Stone, a 32-year-old Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Indianapolis, Indiana. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Epic Ultra Lounge, a nightclub on the northeast side of the city. Stone was reportedly attempting to de-escalate a physical altercation between other individuals when a person involved in the dispute produced a firearm and began shooting.
She was struck in the head by the gunfire.
Emergency services transported Stone to a local hospital in critical condition. She was placed on life support, but her injuries proved to be insurmountable. After two days, on December 28, 2021, Ke-Yohnna Stone succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead. Her death was classified as a homicide by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Known as a vibrant and outspoken advocate for the transgender community, Stone was deeply mourned by friends, family, and fellow activists. She was remembered as a loving individual who often provided a safe haven for others in the local transgender community. Just a week before her death, she had accepted a new job at the Trans Solutions Research & Resource Center, an organization dedicated to assisting transgender individuals.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department initiated a homicide investigation. Detectives appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the identification and apprehension of the individual responsible for Ke-Yohnna Stone's death. As of this time, no arrests have been publicly announced, and no suspect has been officially named in connection with her murder. The investigation remains ongoing.
