Tahiry “Tokyo” Broom was more than a statistic. The 29-year-old from Cleveland was a vibrant soul who brought laughter to those around her.
Her life was full of dreams, aspirations, and love from her family and community. But on Feb 9, 2025, her journey was cut short in a Southfield, Michigan, parking lot—leaving behind grief, questions, and a stark reminder of the violence transgender women of color continue to face.
Authorities say Broom was shot in the head after meeting 28-year-old Robert Ridges III, who allegedly arranged the encounter through a commercial sex advertisement.
Hours after her death, police tracked Ridges to the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit, where he was arrested. He now faces charges including second-degree murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony firearm possession.
A Family Seeking Justice
Broom’s loved ones are left searching for answers. Her aunt, Patricia Bender, voiced the family’s heartbreak, telling 7 News Detroit:
“You just wanna know why. Like, why did you do that?”
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren revealed chilling details about Ridges’ actions before the killing. On the morning of Feb. 9, Ridges reportedly made 33 calls to various sex workers, primarily targeting Black transgender women.
Investigators later found a stolen Sig Sauer 9mm handgun in his apartment, which they believe was used in the murder.
A Pattern of Violence
Broom’s murder is not an isolated tragedy. Advocates have long sounded the alarm on the alarming rates of violence against transgender women of color. Janeé Poindexter, a longtime activist, stressed that systemic neglect fuels these attacks.
“When you have a demographic whose lives are not valued, who don’t get oversight or protections, you see waves of violence and waves of victimization,” Poindexter said. “This should be a wake-up call for us all.”
Broom’s murder is still under investigation, and police have not ruled out the possibility of a hate crime. Meanwhile, her loved ones and community continue to demand justice.
Ridges is being held without bond and is set to appear in court on February 26. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Southfield Police Department at 248-796-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAK-UP.
