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Philadelphia police seek information on transgender woman's killing
Posted: Tue, Sep. 11, 2012, 3:01 AM
By Allison Steele, Inquirer Staff Writer
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120911_Philadelphia_police_seek_information_on_transgender_woman_s_killing.html (http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120911_Philadelphia_police_seek_information_on_transgender_woman_s_killing.html)
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(PHOTO:Philly.com) Kyra Cordova
The victim, known to friends as Kyra Kruz, was well-known in the city's gay community, said Gloria Casarez, director of the city's Office of LGBT Affairs. "She was a visible, friendly presence," Casarez said. "This has been surprising and upsetting to all of us."
Police found Kruz's body about 5 a.m. Sept. 3. [see article for details] No arrests have been made.
Kruz, formerly known as Kris Herold, grew up in Hatfield, said a childhood friend, Amanda Cerini. Raised primarily by a single mother, Kruz moved to Philadelphia after high school. Though she went by Kruz for years, she recently had her last name legally changed to Cordova, Casarez said.
"She just immediately made the office light up," Gonzales said. "She didn't think of it as her job. It was her life's calling to give back to the community."
Kruz was also active in gay-pride events, for which she sometimes designed costumes and choreographed performance routines. Friends said she also sang in clubs.
Said Jaci Adams, a community activist and advocate for gay rights. "Kyra hit some bumps and bruises in life, but she never lost hope."
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UPDATES:
Philadelphia Police have asked anyone with information to call the homicide unit at 215-686-3334. There is up to a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of all homicide suspects.
Friends are planning a candlelight vigil Thursday September 13 at 8 p.m. at the William Way LGBT Community Center (http://www.waygay.org/aboutus/default.asp), 13th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia.