Monica Loera, a 43-year-old transgender woman, was shot and killed in front of her home in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 2016, around 3 a.m. She was taken to a hospital and later died of her injuries. Activists objected after the Austin Police Department initially identified her by her birth name and used masculine pronouns.

According to the arrest affidavit and trial record, 29-year-old JonCasey William Rowell was invited to Loera’s home by text, later returned, and argued with her about a possible theft. Rowell said he believed Loera had stolen his wallet after he responded to her ad on backpage.com and visited her North Austin home. He shot Loera from about a foot away, fled the scene, and later confessed at trial while claiming self-defense; the wallet was later found in his jacket pocket. In November 2017 Rowell was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Loera’s death drew attention to violence against transgender people and to concerns about misgendering and misnaming by officials and media. If anyone knew Monica or has information about her life or the circumstances that night, please share what you can.