MILWAUKEE — The family of a transgender woman who was murdered in Milwaukee is speaking out for the first time.
Cashay Henderson was a transgender woman living in Milwaukee. On Feb. 26, she was murdered. These past few months have been difficult on her family, who live in Atlanta. Her sister Ada Henderson said she is heartbroken and still processing the tragedy.
“She was very kind, very loving, and didn’t deserve this,” Henderson said. “My family and I just want justice for what happened to her.”
Henderson’s death is the third murder of a transgender woman in Milwaukee in a nine-month period spanning from June 2022 to February 2023.
Her family and Chloe Cheyenne, CEO of Communityx, are speaking out for justice and for this type of violence to end.
“Milwaukee, we will not let you turn your back on Cashay,” Cheyenne said. “All eyes are on you, and they will remain on you until we see justice for her.”
Henderson’s family believes this was a hate crime and a targeted attack. Henderson was shot and then her apartment was set on fire.
Chris Allen, the president and CEO of Diverse and Resilient, said the ongoing hate has to stop.
“The current political nature of things and how politicized trans individuals and trans bodies have become, it’s been harder for people to stand up and support and be visible,” Allen said.
The family also explained how Henderson was misgendered by police, and believe more training is needed when it comes to the transgender community.
“Our trans community in the city right now, don’t trust the police department,” Allen said. “Building that trust is important so that when they are experiencing issues of domestic violence, those issues are reported.”
While her family wasn’t able to say much during the press conference, they said their heartache and push for justice will continue. The family is expected to appear in court on Thursday morning when the man accused of her murder is expected to be arraigned.