Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez speaks to reporters on February 25, 2020 in San Juan. (Photo by La Fortaleza)
By DANICA COTO, Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The recent killing of a person believed to be a transgender woman that has shocked and angered many in Puerto Rico is likely a hate crime, Gov. Wanda Vázquez said Tuesday.
While no one has been arrested, she said the investigation into the fatal shooting of a person identified as Neulisa Luciano Ruiz is making progress.
“Everything points to this being a hate crime, and that’s how it will be treated,” she said.
El asesinato de Alexa se va a tratar con total rigurosidad para que esas personas que cometieron y participaron de esta crueldad sean llevadas a la justicia. #SeLlamabaAlexa #HerNameWasAlexa pic.twitter.com/2CPZD44nF2
— Wanda Vázquez Garced (@wandavazquezg) February 25, 2020
The victim’s body was found Monday in the northern town of Toa Baja.
Police are investigating whether a video that was made public where at least two men are heard mocking and threatening a person believed to be the victim followed by gunfire is the actual killing.
Activist Pedro Julio Serrano said in a statement that he was outraged by the killing.
“There’s no doubt that transphobia and intolerance had much to do in this case,” he said.
"… There’s no doubt that transphobia and intolerance had much to do in this case. Trans people are human beings that deserve to live with respect, peace and dignity.” @PedroJulio
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) February 24, 2020
Police said they had received a complaint about the victim on Sunday from a female who was in a woman’s bathroom at a fast food place when Ruiz allegedly entered.
[…] a press conference on Tuesday, governor Wanda Vázquez said that what happened to Alexa is a hate crime, and violence against […]