Kaitoria ’Kai’ Bankz, a 31-year-old Black transgender woman and staff member at The Knights and Orchids Society, was fatally shot in Autaugaville, Alabama, on the evening of Monday, March 31, 2025. The shooting happened near the intersection of Highway 14 and North Pickett Street after a meeting arranged online; she had been planning a sexual encounter and was accompanied by her brother. Her brother was shot and critically injured but later survived.

Authorities say the encounter turned into an attempted carjacking. Investigators identified 27-year-old Kelmen Merrell King of Autaugaville and 20-year-old Leroy Lewis of Prattville as suspects; King turned himself in the day after the shooting and was charged with murder and attempted murder. Lewis was arrested a few days later and faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and obstruction. Officials have not ruled out that Bankz may have been targeted because she was transgender, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Kai’s death, which occurred on the Transgender Day of Visibility, has been mourned by her community and colleagues. If anyone has information about the meeting that night or the events near Highway 14 and North Pickett Street, please share what you know with investigators.