The city of Dallas is once again investigating the death of a transgender Black woman. Over the weekend police found the body of Chynal Lindsey in a lake. According to CNN, police have ruled it a homicide.
Lindsey is now the second transgender woman slain in the city in less than a month. On May 18, Muhlaysia Booker was found shot to death in South Dallas. CNN reports that the Dallas police have now solicited the help of the FBI to investigate both cases. Booker and Lindsey bring the total of open homicide cases involving transgender Black women to four.
Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall told reporters that it’s not clear if the killings that go as far back as 2015, are all related. But has called on the public to come forward with any information they may have.
“We are concerned,” Hall told reporters on Monday. “We are actively and aggressively investigating this case, and we have reached out to our federal partners to assist in these efforts.”
Community activists are asking that authorities prioritize ending the pattern of violence against the community. They are also cautioning others not to see the issue as one unique to Dallas.
After the killing of Michelle “Tamika” Washington in Philadelphia, the Human Rights Campaign put the number of cases where Black transgender women were killed by deadly violence at five. Lindsey makes at least six.
At a press conference with community leaders and advocates, a friend of Booker’s raised concerns about safety. “That’s our goal, to provide safety for each and every member of the community,” Hall responded. “We’re working together to make sure that you can feel safe in the community.”