A Black transgender woman was found murdered in her Chicago apartment earlier this month, in a case that has drawn renewed attention to violence against transgender women, especially Black trans women, in the United States.
Davonta Curtis, 31, was discovered dead on April 8 after suffering multiple blunt force injuries, according to authorities. Prosecutors allege she was killed several days earlier, on April 5, inside her home.
Police have charged 24-year-old Deandre Bell with first-degree murder and possession of a stolen vehicle. He is currently being held without bail.
According to court documents, Bell and Curtis had an on-again, off-again relationship. Surveillance footage reportedly showed the pair together on the day of the killing before returning to Curtis’ apartment. Bell was later seen leaving alone in the early morning hours.
Investigators say Bell was later found in possession of Curtis’ car, keys, and a hammer believed to have been used in the attack. Prosecutors allege he also searched online for ways to kill someone with a hammer prior to the incident.
Curtis’ death has shaken local community members and advocates, who say the case reflects a broader and deeply troubling pattern. Authorities have not confirmed a motive. Prosecutors noted in court that Curtis may have been engaged in sex work, an area where transgender women face disproportionately high rates of violence.
National data continues to show that transgender people, particularly Black trans women, are at heightened risk of homicide. Many cases involve perpetrators known to the victim, including intimate partners.
In Chicago, the issue is especially concerning. Past reporting has found that many killings of transgender individuals in the city remain unsolved, contributing to long-standing concerns about accountability and justice.
Curtis’ killing is at least the second reported homicide of a Black transgender or gender-nonconforming person in 2026, according to advocacy tracking.
Advocates are calling for more consistent reporting, better protections, and increased resources for transgender individuals, particularly those navigating economic vulnerability and systemic discrimination.
As the case moves forward, Curtis’ death is being remembered not just as a criminal case but as part of a larger pattern that continues to impact transgender communities across the country.
