Season 6, Episode 8: “The Trade Massacre”

Saturday May 25, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan, the LGBTQ+ community was shaken by the brutal murders of Paris Cameron (she/her), a 20-year-old Black transgender woman, alongside two gay men, Alunte Davis (21) and Timothy Blancher (20). Known for her vibrant spirit and determination to live authentically, Paris represented joy, resilience, and the aspirations of so many young trans women of color navigating life against the backdrop of systemic transphobia, racism, and anti-LGBTQ+ violence.

This episode of A Hateful Homicide, “The Trade Massacre,” explores not only the tragic loss of Paris Cameron but also the calculated cruelty of her killers. The crime occurred in the home of a friend after what appeared to be a social gathering. According to prosecutors, 19-year-old suspect Devon Kareem Robinson—also known as “Demo”—opened fire, killing Paris, Alunte, and Timothy, and injuring two others. Robinson was later arrested, charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder, assault, and firearm offenses.

Paris’ pronouns (she/her) and her identity as a young Black transgender woman are central to this story, reminding listeners of the disproportionate dangers trans women, especially Black trans women, face in the United States. In 2019 alone, the Human Rights Campaign documented at least 27 violent deaths of transgender and gender nonconforming people, with Paris’ murder standing out as both heartbreaking and galvanizing for activists.

The trial brought national attention. Prosecutors emphasized the anti-LGBTQ+ motives, noting that Robinson had targeted the victims for their identities. In March 2020, Robinson was found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. This outcome provided a measure of justice, yet for Paris’ family and the larger Detroit LGBTQ+ community, the pain remains raw.

In this episode, we honor Paris Cameron’s life and legacy. Listeners will learn about her dreams, the joy she brought to those around her, and the broader implications of her murder in the ongoing epidemic of violence against Black transgender women. Through survivor accounts, case files, and reflection, “The Trade Massacre” amplifies Paris’ voice and reminds us that behind every headline is a vibrant life extinguished too soon.

Ultimately, Paris’ story is not just about tragedy—it is also about resilience, memory, and the call to end the intersecting oppressions that make trans lives so vulnerable.

Season 6, Episode 8: “Vanished on Vacation”

Thursday June 20t, 2024 Taylor Casey (she/her), a vibrant 41-year-old Black transgender woman from Chicago, Illinois, was known for her advocacy, joy, and deep faith. In June 2024, she traveled to Nassau, Bahamas, to attend a yoga retreat, seeking rest and spiritual rejuvenation. What was meant to be a healing trip quickly turned into a nightmare when Taylor disappeared under suspicious circumstances.

Taylor was last seen on June 19, 2024, during the retreat. Organizers reported that she did not attend scheduled sessions, and her absence raised alarm. Her personal belongings—including her phone and passport—were found in her room, suggesting she had not planned to leave voluntarily. Friends and family, devastated and confused, immediately feared foul play, especially given the risks transgender women of color face while traveling abroad.

Authorities in the Bahamas launched an investigation, but progress was slow. Police initially treated Taylor’s case as a missing person report, but inconsistencies and unanswered questions fueled concerns. Witnesses from the retreat offered conflicting accounts, with some suggesting Taylor went for a swim while others insisted she left for a walk. The lack of clear surveillance footage and delayed investigative efforts raised suspicions of negligence or possible cover-up.

As the days stretched into weeks, Taylor’s loved ones continued to push for answers. Advocacy organizations in the United States, including those focused on trans justice and racial equity, amplified her story to highlight both her disappearance and the broader issues of safety for transgender travelers. Public attention placed pressure on both Bahamian and U.S. officials to treat the case with urgency.

Despite these efforts, by late summer 2024, no suspects had been publicly identified. The Bahamian authorities stated that the investigation remained open, but her family expressed frustration at the lack of transparency and accountability. While foul play has not been officially confirmed, the circumstances strongly suggest that Taylor’s disappearance was not voluntary.

Taylor Casey’s case remains unresolved. Her vanishing has left a painful void in her community and serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities transgender women, especially Black trans women, face domestically and internationally. “Vanished on Vacation” delves into Taylor’s life, her dreams, and the unanswered questions surrounding her disappearance. This episode not only chronicles the timeline of her case but also examines the systemic failures that too often leave trans women of color unprotected and unheard.

Season 6, Episode 7 – “The Honeytrap”

Tuesday June 9, 2020, 25-year-old Black transgender woman Riah Milton (she/her) was lured into a deadly trap in Liberty Township, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati. Riah, a beloved sister, daughter, and friend, was described by those who knew her as vibrant, kindhearted, and determined. Like many young Black trans women, she faced the dual burden of systemic racism and transphobia—realities that shaped both her life and her tragic death.

In “The Honeytrap,” we take listeners inside the harrowing events leading up to Riah’s murder. Court documents and witness accounts revealed that suspects Tyree Cross (18), Nyimaya Smith (16), and a 14-year-old accomplice concocted a plan to lure Riah under the pretense of a meeting, intending to steal her car and belongings. The encounter turned violent, and Riah was fatally shot.

This episode unpacks not only the details of the case but also the broader patterns it reflects. Riah’s story echoes a disturbing trend: transgender women of color, particularly Black trans women, face disproportionate levels of violence in the United States. Her murder occurred during Pride Month and amidst national uprisings for racial justice, further highlighting the intersections of identity, marginalization, and systemic neglect.

The investigation led to swift arrests, with charges including aggravated robbery, involuntary manslaughter, and complicity to murder. Yet, as with so many cases of anti-trans violence, justice remains complex. While suspects were held accountable through the legal system, Riah’s life and potential were irreparably stolen.

Through testimony, archival material, and reflection, “The Honeytrap” honors Riah Milton’s legacy while illuminating the urgent need to address the epidemic of violence against Black trans women. Her story is a call for remembrance, justice, and change.