Questions remain about death of transgender woman whose body was found along Brays Bayou
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- 33-year-old Persia Amarra Conway's family is now demanding answers after the transgender woman's body was found last week along Bray's Bayou and Country Creek Drive, according to Houston police.On Tuesday night, the community came together at the Montrose Center to remember and honor her life."Most importantly, Persia deserves justice; I want justice for my baby girl," said Conway's mother, Michelle Simmons. "No transgender person should have to wonder whether their life is treated as less important because of who they are."While Houston police have not said if they believe Conway was targeted for being transgender, according to FBI data, anti-transgender hate crimes have increased significantly over the past 10 years.In 2015, there were 73 incidents, and just last year, 371 were reported nationwide.Earlier this year, Houston police said Jadarius Roberts - also known as Jade was found shot to death; her murder hasn't been solved either."Trans women of color, I think about Persia; I also think about the murder of Jade that was just announced. She was killed earlier this year; it's important that, especially at this time that we are coming together, not just the community, not just LGBTQ people, but our allies as well, coming together and showing solidarity," said Joelle Espeut with the Normal Anomaly Initiative Inc."And I sit here, and I think that this is the way we're walking into Pride; how can we celebrate Pride when our hearts are hurting, but we also understand that we can use this stage of Pride to highlight everything that's going on with the trans community," said Atlantis Narcisse with TransTexas.Conway's family is now hoping, with the community's help, someone will be held accountable soon."My niece, her spirit, she's going to figure this out; this is going to come to us- justice is going to come to us through her," said Conway's aunt, Natalie McDonald.Houston police said the investigation is still ongoing into Conway's death.At this point, no suspect information has been released.Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.
Comments (0)