Search Underway For Suspect In Transgender Shootings
HOLLYWOOD (CBS) — The search continued Saturday for a gunman suspected of targeting two transgender women, one of which was fatally shot in Hollywood.
Hollywood homicide detectives released a composite sketch of the suspect believed to be responsible for the shooting death of Nathan Henry Vickers, known to friends as "Barbie" or "Cassidy."
"She's one of my really good friends. She works out here every night. She comes over and she takes a shower, she borrows things from us," said Peter Cords, a friend of the victim.
The 32-year-old, a known prostitute according to friends, was killed just before 10 p.m. Thursday near Lexington Avenue and Gower Street.
Minutes after the murder, a second transgender woman was shot at in West Hollywood's Plummer Park. That victim was not struck.
The LAPD is hesitant to classify the shootings as hate crimes, but believes the same gunman (possibly a transient) is responsible.
The suspect is described by police as a black male with a medium complexion and light facial hair. He's in his late 20s and stands between 5'9" to 5'10".
The LAPD warns that the suspect is armed and dangerous and urge the public not to approach him. Anyone with more information as to his whereabouts is asked to contact detectives at (213) 972-2910 or (877) LAPD-24-7.
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