In a span of just weeks in 2025, the LGBTQ+ community has mourned the loss of three Black transgender women—Carmen Wells, Laura Schuler, and Dream Johnson—whose lives were cut short by acts of violence.
These tragedies, occurring in Detroit, Cincinnati, and Washington, D.C., underscore the alarming rise in violence against transgender individuals, particularly Black trans women, who face disproportionate rates of homicide.
Carmen Wells: A Beacon of the Detroit Ballroom Community
Carmen Wells, a 37-year-old Black trans woman, was a cherished figure in Detroit’s ballroom scene, known for her infectious humor and radiant presence.
On May 25, 2025, just days before her 38th birthday, Wells was fatally shot in her home on Trust Street in Detroit’s east side.
According to reports, a suspect arrived at her residence under the pretense of a date, only to shoot her within minutes and flee after stealing her phone and ransacking her belongings.
“Carmen would light up the whole room with her smile,” said Monica Hudson, a friend, during a press conference on July 2, 2025.
Despite community efforts and a plea for public assistance, the Detroit Police Department (DPD) has yet to make an arrest, leaving Wells’ loved ones searching for closure.
“She didn’t deserve this,” a family member stated, urging the suspect to surrender.
Laura Schuler: Cincinnati’s Fashion Icon
Laura Schuler, a 47-year-old Black trans woman, was celebrated as the “Beyoncé of Cincinnati” for her work as a personal stylist, fashion consultant, and makeup artist.
On June 7, 2025, Schuler was shot and killed in her home in Cincinnati’s Evanston neighborhood. Her death, occurring during Pride Month, struck a deep chord in the community. Friends and family gathered for a balloon release at the site of her death, lighting candles to honor her legacy as a generous and outspoken advocate.
“She was a transsetter, a legend,” a friend remarked. Cincinnati police arrested 18-year-old Ajani Grimes on July 10, 2025, charging him with Schuler’s murder.
Grimes, previously wanted for a separate violent crime, is being held on a $2 million bond, with a court date scheduled for later this month.
Dream Johnson: A Radiant Spirit in Washington, D.C.
Dream Johnson, a 28-year-old Black trans woman, was gunned down on July 5, 2025, along Benning Road in Northeast Washington, D.C. Witnesses reported three men approaching Johnson, hurling transphobic slurs before one opened fire in what was described as “overkill.” Johnson was shot multiple times and left unconscious on the sidewalk.
Her aunt, Angie Terrell, remembered her as a “vibrant individual” who grew up alongside her family. The D.C. community held a vigil along the Anacostia River Trail, where soulful hymns accompanied calls for justice.
The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating, with a $25,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest. Johnson’s death was one of four homicides in D.C. over the July 4th weekend, amplifying community grief.
A Broader Crisis
These killings reflect a disturbing trend: at least 11 transgender people have been murdered in the U.S. in 2025, with 10 being Black trans women.
The Human Rights Campaign notes that transphobia, compounded by systemic issues like poverty and social isolation, heightens vulnerability to violence. Black trans women, in particular, face intersecting risks of racism, transphobia, and gender-based violence.
Community advocates, including Julisa Bad, the LGBTQ community engagement liaison with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, are urging the public to provide tips to solve these cases.
Calls for Justice and Remembrance
The families and friends of Wells, Schuler, and Johnson are united in their demand for justice.
“You took my child away from me,” said Wells’ mother, describing her daughter’s killer as a “monster.”
In Cincinnati, Schuler’s supporters hope her case sets a precedent for accountability, while in D.C., Johnson’s brother, Dominic Jenkins, grapples with the pain of loss:
“I ain’t never seen my mother break down like that.”
For those with information, contact the Detroit Police Department at 1-800-SPEAK-UP for Wells’ case, Cincinnati’s Homicide Unit for Schuler’s, or the Metropolitan Police Department for Johnson’s.
