No criminal charges in trans woman's death by auto

[Natasha]

No criminal charges in trans woman's death by auto

Philadelphia Gay News
4/30/09

The investigation into a fatal traffic accident that claimed the life of transgender woman Erika Keels was officially closed in March, with no criminal charges brought against the driver, Roland Bottom.

But a review of the investigative file released last week raised questions about the decision not to pursue criminal charges against Bottom.

The incident took place at 5 a.m. March 21, 2007, as Keels was crossing Broad Street near Stiles in North Philadelphia.

[mickie88]

this is just the biggest bs i've read in a long time!!!!!

i'm old, so i'm allowed to kill you. jaywalking is a much bigger crime than vehicular homicide especially if i'm speeding.

i think somebody needs to go back to law school!!!

but what do i know, right? i'm a transwoman, better make sure i never do drugs or drink, cuz then it's legal for people to speed and run me over with their car!!! 

[Kaweah]

The driver was driving approximately twice the speed limit and he was driving without his required glasses.... no wonder he didn't see her in time to stop!  I can't help but wonder that if Erika Keels had been a white male college student, instead of a black transwoman, if the driver wouldn't have been treated differently.