March Demanding Justice for Shantee Tucker Scheduled for Wednesday
New details have emerged in the homicide investigation of Shantee Tucker, a Black transgender woman who was killed on Old York Road last week.
Shantee Tucker, a Black transgender woman, was killed on Old York Road last week.
This Wednesday, community members are planning a candlelight vigil to honor the memory of a Black transgender woman who was tragically killed last week on Old York Road.
Shantee Tucker, 30, was shot to death eight times in Hunting Park on September 5th by an unidentified individual in a black Ford pickup truck, who she was seen arguing with around 1 a.m. Since the preliminary investigation, new details have emerged involving a possible motive. In a press conference following initial reports, police claim that they do not suspect the cause of Tucker’s death to be a hate crime.
“It’s not a hate crime,” Philadelphia Police Captain Jack Ryan said during a press conference. “[Tucker] wasn’t targeted because of her gender affiliation or her lifestyle.” Without giving any further details, Ryan added that police believe Tucker knew who her attacker was prior to the killing.
Several nearby residents of Old York Road claim that the area is known for sex work in the late hours of the night and suspect that Tucker might be a victim of an ordeal gone wrong.
“It’s not very uncommon for girls like us to be over there late at night,” said a Black trans woman to Philadelphia magazine who requested anonymity due to her current occupation. “I’ve worked the stroll on Old York Road this summer and have witnessed an influx of problems with trade who decide to go violent. I would not be surprised to hear that someone like Shantee was killed out there.”
Tucker is the 19th known transgender homicide victim in America this year; most victims have been women of color.
Shantee Tucker’s Candle-Light Vigil March is Wednesday, September 12th in Hunting Park.
Tucker’s candlelight “Call to Action” march has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 12th, originating at Old York Road and Hunting Park Avenue at 8 p.m.
While police are hoping to have video to release of the vehicle at some point, they also believe they are not far from making an arrest. If you have information on the suspect, contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334.
