LOCAL NEWS: Justice Delayed — Again — For Transwoman Murder Victim Keisha Jenkins
Kiesha Jenkins (left) via Facebook. Suspect Pedro Redding (right) in Philadelphia Police Department photo.
The preliminary hearing for Pedro Redding, on trial in connection to the death of transwoman Keisha Jenkins, has once again been delayed.
The preliminary hearing set for March 2 for the defendant in connection of the death of transwoman Keisha Jenkins was delayed until March 30, as authorities continue to investigate the crime. The hearing has been delayed multiple times. Jenkins, 22, was fatally shot at 13th and Wingohocking streets last October in what police believe to be a robbery unrelated to Jenkins’ identity as a transwoman. Police allege that Pedro Redding, 24, was with a number of other men who assaulted her. He is the only suspect who has been arrested thus far, and police have said they do not think Redding was the shooter. This news comes at a troublesome time for a community that has seen an increasing number of transgender murders, notably targeting transpeople of color.
Two arrests made in connection to the murder of transwoman Maya Young.
Philadelphia police have charged Tiffany Floyd and Jose Pena in connection to the murder of transwoman Maya Young. The Frankford murder took place two weeks ago as Young, 25, was found dead, the victim of multiple stabbings. Floyd, 24, and Pena, 19, were both charged with murder and conspiracy and were denied bail. Floyd was taken into custody last Tuesday, Pena the day after. Floyd’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 16, Pena’s for March 23. There has been national attention centered around this particular case from the Human Rights Campaign.
Valley Youth House is recognizing some major players in the community at their annual casino night charity event this Friday.
Valley Youth House, a non-profit known for its work on shedding light on the city’s LGBTQ homeless youth crisis, is honoring three leaders in the community on Friday. At their sixth annual Always Bet on Youth Casino Night charity event, VYH will spotlight the support of Liberty Property Trust, a real-estate investment firm in Philly and Mark Aitken, co-founder of Horizon Services. The major standout of the night will be Lady Torres, a 19-year immigrant whose resilience through the foster cares system with VYH assistance now has her attending Temple University and advocating for overcoming depression. Torres will be receiving the Youth Achiever award and will address the crowd. “I’m personally proud when I get to see our youth get the opportunity to speak about issues in spaces like this where they are often overlooked,” said Valerie Johnson, VYH’s development officer. So far, the annual celebration has raised over $285,000 over the past five years and this year’s carnival masquerade theme is expected to bring out a large turn-out.
