Transgender Woman Muhlaysia Booker Found Dead In East Dallas
Update: Murdered Trans Woman, Muhlaysia Booker's Family: 'It Was Someone Who Knew Her'
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Transgender woman Muhlaysia Booker, who was at the center of a viral video where she was beaten near an apartment complex, was found fatally shot in east Dallas early Saturday morning, police confirmed.
Police responded to the shooting call in the 7200 block of Valley Glen Drive at around 6:40 a.m near the Tenison Park Golf Course. She was found dead from a gunshot wound.
In a press conference on Sunday, police identified the woman as Booker. Police do not have any suspects at this time.
Booker was at the center of a video last month where she was seen being brutally attacked outside the Royal Crest Apartments on Wilhurt Avenue in south Dallas.
Edward Thomas was arrested and charged with aggravated assault in the case. Police said on Sunday they are continuing to try and identify people who were involved in the assault.
Police do not know of any connections between Booker's death and the assault.
During Sunday's press conference, Dallas police talked about the violent month the city appears to be experiencing. They said there have been 23 homicides in May and have solved 18 of them.
"It is the DPD policy that we actively pursue murder suspects. We as a department hold human life dearly and precious as should everybody but we recognize not everybody does. So speaking directly to them – I want you to know that the DPD has never tolerated murder and we never will so understand that we will actively, aggressively pursue you. We need the help of the community and that will be our directive," Assistant Chief Avery Moore said.
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings responded to the case on Twitter, saying "I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of Muhlaysia Booker. I call on anyone with information on this homicide to please contact the Dallas Police Department."