The Los Angeles Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect wanted in connection with a series of violent hate crimes targeting a 61-year-old transgender woman in the Westlake neighborhood.
Detectives have renewed their call for assistance as the investigation continues into multiple assaults that began in April 2025. Police believe additional victims may exist and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The victim, Sabrina de la Peña, a longtime Westlake shopkeeper, has been repeatedly attacked in and around her convenience store. Authorities say the first incident occurred April 8, when a man entered her store, made unwanted advances, and became violent after realizing she is transgender. Investigators allege he sexually assaulted her, threatened to kill her, and fled.
In the weeks that followed, police say the same group of men returned to the area and carried out additional assaults. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows de la Peña being beaten with a skateboard, pepper sprayed, and, in one instance, targeted with a stun gun. LAPD has classified the attacks as hate crimes.
The case has drawn significant attention from local officials and community advocates. Los Angeles County supervisors previously approved a 10,000 dollar reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the remaining suspects.
One suspect, 30-year-old Samuel Parros, was arrested in May 2025. However, at least one other suspect remains at large, and detectives continue working to identify all individuals involved.
County Supervisor Hilda Solis publicly condemned the violence and supported the reward motion, stating that hate-driven attacks have no place in Los Angeles communities and that transgender residents deserve safety and protection.
De la Peña has spoken about the emotional toll the repeated attacks have taken. In interviews with local media, she said she no longer feels safe in the neighborhood where she has lived and worked for decades.
The investigation follows earlier TransVitae coverage of separate hate crimes targeting transgender women in Los Angeles and the arrest of one suspect connected to the Westlake assaults. Authorities continue to encourage vigilance and cooperation from the public.
Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Rampart Division detectives at 213 484 3495. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800 222 8477.
Transgender individuals experiencing threats or violence are encouraged to report incidents to local authorities and seek support from community advocacy organizations.
