A Black transgender woman known for her activism and presence in the drag community was shot and killed earlier this month in Virginia, marking the first known killing of a transgender person in the United States in 2026.
Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray, 42, was found dead on March 13 in Petersburg after police responded to reports of a shooting. Officers entered a home through an unsecured door and discovered her with multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have released limited information about the circumstances surrounding her death, and no additional details about potential suspects or motives have been publicly confirmed as of this writing.
Sanchez-McCray was a well-known figure in both Virginia and North Carolina’s LGBTQ+ communities. Performing under the name “Mable,” she built a reputation as a talented drag artist and promoter, competing in pageants across the region. She earned titles including Miss Mayflower EOY in 2015 and Miss Charlotte FFI-at-Large in 2020.
Beyond her work on stage, Sanchez-McCray was also an outspoken advocate. In 2023, she joined a boycott of a Charlotte LGBTQ+ bar following allegations of racism, reflecting her willingness to challenge inequities even within queer spaces.
Friends, fellow performers, and community members have shared tributes online in the days following her death, remembering her as both a vibrant entertainer and a dedicated activist. Drag performer Kennedy Davenport was among those who publicly mourned her, calling her a “sister” and expressing grief over the loss.
Early media reports misgendered Sanchez-McCray, a common issue that advocates say contributes to the underreporting and misclassification of violence against transgender people.
Her death comes amid ongoing concerns about violence targeting transgender individuals in the United States, particularly Black trans women. According to advocacy data cited in recent reporting, at least 27 transgender people were killed in 2025, with the majority of victims being women of color.
Advocates have long warned that these numbers may be incomplete due to misgendering and inconsistent reporting practices, which can obscure the true scale of violence facing the community.
A funeral for Sanchez-McCray is scheduled for March 27 in Petersburg, where family, friends, and community members are expected to gather to honor her life and legacy.
Her killing underscores ongoing calls from activists for improved data collection, respectful reporting, and stronger protections for transgender people, as communities continue to grapple with both visibility and vulnerability.
