Amyri Dior, A Black Transgender Woman, Was Killed In Milwaukee
Dior’s community and loved ones are calling on the police department for answers, as they grapple with this tragic loss.
Amyri Dior, a 23-year-old Black trans woman, is remembered by her family as “loving” and “truthful” in the wake of her senseless death on Feb. 21.
Police in Milwaukee arrived at the scene of the crime around 12:30 a.m. that Friday and found Dior dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner reports she was shot and killed in a bedroom at the residence, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. It’s unclear what led up to the shooting.
Police are investigating the shooting as a homicide. No arrests have been made, and police have not publicly shared any suspects.
Although officials have not labeled this as a hate crime nor released a motive, Dior’s family believes her gender identity played a large part in the fatal shooting.
“No matter who she came in contact with, she was always a good soul. I just don’t understand why,” Dior’s cousin Jakiala Jenkins told Fox 6 News Milwaukee.
“Live in the truth, y’all,” her mother, Perriona Williams, said. “I just want to tell everybody to live in the truth. It doesn’t matter who you are, just open up, be an open book, so your family can know who you are and be able to love you for who you are.”
Related: Two New Suspects Charged In The Murder Of Sam Nordquist, A Black Trans Man
As Dior’s loved ones struggle to piece together what happened that night, they remember her as a confident woman, who wasn’t afraid to be herself. They hold memories of Dior dancing and singing dear, as they wait for answers.
“We just need some type of understanding, of closure,” Jenkins said. “We just want all trans [people] to stay safe. Know that you are loved.”
The Milwaukee Black Pride Correlation, alongside Dior’s family, is holding a vigil for Dior on Saturday, March 8 at Zao MKE Church at 6 pm. The vigil will be a chance to “come together, honor Amyri’s memory, and stand in solidarity against violence and discrimination.” Beyond the vigil, advocates in the area are demanding justice for Dior.
“We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into Amyri Dior’s murder. We call on the Milwaukee Police Department to prioritize this case and bring the perpetrator(s) to justice,” Milwaukee Black Pride Correlation said in a statement.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Dior’s family with funeral expenses and arrangements. The fund’s goal has been set at $10,000 ahead of Dior’s funeral service. The hashtag “#JusticeForAmyri” has also been set up to amplify Dior’s story.
Dior’s tragic killing follows the death of two other transgender individuals this year: Sam Nordquist, a 24-year-old Black transgender man, and Tahiry Bloom, a 29-year-old Black transgender woman. The Human Rights Campaign reports at least 32 transgender and gender-expansive individuals died by violence nationwide last year. 78% of victims were people of color, and 56% were Black transgender women. These numbers are expected to be much higher, as many individuals are misgendered and/or deadnamed by police and media, making it difficult to track.
