Honoring the life of Kayonna Ankeny, a Black trans woman, shot to death in Georgia three years ago. – Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

Honoring the life of Kayonna Ankeny, a Black trans woman, shot to death in Georgia three years ago. – Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

In February 2023. the body of a Black trans woman was discovered in an abandoned building in Augusta, Georgia. While she was identified, her life and death did not come to our attention until now. Her name was Kayonna Ankeny. The Crime On Sunday, February 5, 2023, Richmond County deputies were called to vacant building on the 3400 block of Meadowbrook Drive about a deceased person. The victim was reportedly shot at least one time/ The abandoned building is boarded up at the end of the Meadowgrove subdivision on Langdon Drive. Faded signs on the build at the time referenced a laundromat and dry cleaners, according to the Augusta Press. Reports indicate that she had been in the building several days before police discovered her body. As of today, there is no information on a suspect in the case. Honoring Kayonna Kayonna was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia. Kayonna was described as “a fun loving kind person that loved life … a good person.” Kayonna’s socials were filled with comedic reels, images of the environment, and the sort of “inside joke” you share with close friends. She made many fun videos with her nieces and nephews, filled with laughter. Tragically, Kayonna is the third of four adult siblings to die a premature death.  Thirteen years ago, her older brother was murdered, and recently her sister died from lupus. Kayonna’s cousin shared “no matter what we went through. I could still call her for advice, a ride, a lone pick-up, or drop-off.” Friends organized a vigil a few days after she was found. Family announced plans for a Celebration of Life at a future date. Context In the context of 2023 when she was murdered, Kayonna was among 45 reported homicides. But since we document according to the discovery of the individual, she is the 21st death we’ve reported on this year, including four deaths without a lot of clarity. Kayonna is the 13th trans person of color, the 13th trans woman, the 12th trans woman of color and the 10th Black trans woman. Those numbers might seem out of alignment, but remember that several of our reports describe individuals whose identity is either gender nonconforming or otherwise unknown. Younger generations are both using multiple identity labels and using none. The way we understand and describe gender identity is changing so sometimes the math doesn’t add up. As long as one person is on this list, the math is not adding up. 21 people are on this list. 14 of them are BIPOC trans siblings. Eleven were Black, two were Latina, and one was Pasifika. Six were white, the identity of one is unknown as of now. We talk a lot about disproportionate impact – here is the evidence. In 2024, our list included Righteous Torrence ‘T K’ Chevy Hill , Shannon Boswell . San Coleman. and Skyler Gilmore. Also in 2023, re memorialized Tortuguita, Ashley Burton, and Rasheeda Williams. In 2022, this list included Kathryn Newhouse and Keshia Chanel Geter. In 2021, Bianca ‘Muffin’ Bankz. Sophie Vasquez, and Serenity Hollis. In 2020, Felycya Harris and Scottlynn Kelly DeVore were added. In 2018, Nino Fortson. In 2017, Ava Le’Ray Barrin and Tee Tee Dangerfield as well as Candace Towns. 19 reported deaths in a decade. How did Kayonna’s death go unnoticed? The media and law enforcement misgendered and used her assigned name. Some of her family did that as well, but others honored her authentic life. There wasn’t much follow up on her death, she just disappeared. That’s the great fear. There’s no indication of any progress in solving this crime. Why not? Where is the outcry? Who is advocating for Kayonna? Rest in power, Kayonna. Your life was beautiful and ended far too soon. You deserved to be surrounded by joy and light. I am so sorry we have not created a world that’s safe for you. I hope the love of your family and friends comforted you. May your memory be a revolution Deaths reported in 2026 These individuals are part of the trans community including transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and gender creative folx. Please do not share this content without attribution. Thank you Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-Mccray – Petersburg, Virginia. March 13, 2026. Age 42. Davonta Curtis – Chicago, Illinois. April 5, 2026. Age 32. Dannielle Spillman – San Francisco, California. April 16, 2026. Age 74. Aleanna Royal Belcher – Binghamton, New York. April 17, 2026. Age 31. Lucas Redbeard Knapp – Candy Kitchen, Cibola County, New Mexico, April 18, 2026. Age 39. Hailey Singleton – Dunnellton, Florida, May 5, 2026. Age 29. Lanessa Rodriguez – Ft Pierce, Florida, April 28, 2026. Age 35. Jade Roberts – Houston, Texas, January 2, 2026. Age 25. Paris Harris – Dallas, Texas, April 17, 2026. Age 21. Eryka Caldwell – New York, New York, May 17, 2026. Age 41. Nathaniel Potts – Eldorado, Illinois, May 20, 2026. Age 16. Persia Amarra Conway – Houston, Texas. Date unconfirmed. Found on May 26, 2026. Age 33. Juniper Blessing – Seattle, Washington. May 8, 2026. Age 19. Marlow Trottie – Alexandria, Louisiana. June 8, 2026. Age 35. La’Daijah Walters – Mobile, Alabama. June 22, 2026. Age 32. William ‘Ike’ Eickholt – Hastings, Minnesota. February 1, 2025. Age 74. Kayonna Ankeny – Augusta, Georgia. February 5, 2023. Age 30. Other Deaths We are following these cases, but cannot confirm the details right now. Daniella Analee Escobedo – Las Vegas, Nevada (unconfirmed), April 12, 2026. Age 34. Name Unknown – Charlotte, North Carolina. Found on May 21, 2026. Date of death unknown. Age unknown. Leia Trysiss Ali – Las Vegas, Nevada. May 24, 2026. Age 35. Kalena ‘Peaches’ Croskey – Birmingham, Alabama. June 11, 2026. Age 35. 202