Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray found shot in first anti-trans violent death 2026

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray found shot in first anti-trans violent death of 2026

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/03/shyyell-diamond-sanchez-mccray-found-shot-in-first-anti-trans-of-2026/ 🔗

John Russell (24 March 2026)

Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-McCray, an activist and performer who was shot and killed in Virginia earlier this month, is believed to be the first Black transgender woman whose death by gun violence has been reported this year.

Local news outlets, which misgendered 42-year-old Sanchez-McCray, indicate that police arrived at a home in Petersburg, Virginia, just before 2 a.m. on March 13, responding to reports of gunfire. After entering the Elm Street residence through "an unsecured door," police found the victim, who was not named in initial media reports, with gunshot wounds. The victim reportedly died at the scene.

Family and friends later identified Sanchez-McCray on social media, according to Them, but local outlets including WWBT, WRIC, and The Progress-Index have not updated their reporting to correctly reflect her gender identity.

No other details about her death have been made public, and it is unclear whether police are investigating Sanchez-McCray's death as a homicide. According to PGH Lesbian Correspondents, which tracks the violent deaths of trans people in the U.S. and honors victims, her most recent social media posts described her struggle with depression, but also expressed concern about a recent stabbing in the area. Police are urging anyone with information on Sanchez-MCray's shooting to contact the Petersburg/Dinwiddie Crime Solvers at 804-861-1212 or report anonymously via the P3tips.com app.

[Athena]

I'm sorry to say but as horrible as this is I'm surprised that it took this long. With the target placed on trans people I can't see this not getting worse.

I honestly can't fathom how people can hate a group of people in such a vile way.

I hope Miss Sanchez-McCray finds the peace she so rightfully deserves