Rayshawn RaeLynn Thomas was 28 when she was killed on August 10, 2016, at her family’s home on Tracy Circle in southwest Columbus, Ohio. A performer and fashionista in her community, RaeLynn was shot and killed while she was watching television with her mother. The shooter was identified as the mother’s ex-boyfriend, 53-year-old James Allen Byrd, who was arrested shortly after the shooting as he attempted to flee.

Byrd was indicted on two counts of murder with specifications and one count of having weapons while under disability; he had a prior conviction dating to 1993. RaeLynn’s family and community urged that the investigation be treated as a hate crime because she was transgender and reports described Byrd as having been hostile toward her. RaeLynn’s family and friends continue to honor her memory and press for justice.

If anyone knew RaeLynn, witnessed the shooting, or has information about tensions between the parties, please come forward.