Memphis Trans
Woman Killed Execution-Style

Duanna Johnson, a transgender woman who was suing the city of Memphis, Tenn., for alleged civil rights violations, was shot and killed execution-style on November 9, according to WPTY News.

"It's horrible timing," said Murray Wells, Johnson's attorney. "She was going home. The federal indictment was coming down. The lawsuit was going to be filed. And now all of that is on hold. So I find it ironic, at least."

Johnson was arrested on prostitution charges in June. During her time in jail, two Memphis police officers brutally beat Johnson while using transgender slurs. The officers were fired after investigators reviewed the beating on tape, and Johnson sued the city for $1.3 million.

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, is calling for an official investigation into Johnson's murder. (Kandice Day, The Advocate)