Police in Dallas, Texas are investigating the death of 26-year-old Chynal Lindsey, a transgender woman from Arlington, whose body was found in White Rock Lake over the weekend.
Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall said during a press conference, “We are concerned. We are actively investigating the case and have reached out to federal authorities for assistance. We are asking for the community’s assistance with this tragic event.” Chief Hall also stated there were signs of “homicidal violence” in Lindsey’s death.
In response to Chief Hall’s request, the FBI issued the following statement: “The FBI is committed to investigating all federal crimes and providing assistance to our local partners when asked. We will continue to work with the Dallas Police Department as well as all our community partners to address any concerns. If in the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal civil rights violation, the FBI is prepared to assist.”
According to CBS DFW Local, Dallas Police Department has roughly 500 fewer officers than they’ve had in previous years. But, the FBI, on the other hand, has the resources needed to delve into motive, to determine if the murders are all connected and if the incidents are hate crimes.
Tamaya Lindsey said she knew the victim as her cousin, Jason, and the two were reunited about five years ago via social media. She said Jason, who still identified as a man at the time, moved to North Texas to be close to family. She said Jason lived with her for a brief time, but eventually began to struggle with drugs and moved out. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Around the same time, Jason began identifying as a trans woman and took on the name Chynal Lindsey. Tamaya said the last time she saw her cousin was several months ago when she surprised her at her job. “I just broke down, and I cried because I kept saying, ‘I don’t know if this is the last time I’m going to see you,’” she recalled.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Lindsey’s death is now the fourth open murder investigation within the last eight months involving an African American transgender woman in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Lindsey’s cousin said, “If this was a hate crime, shame on you,” she said, breaking into tears. “For someone to have that much anger and hatred toward someone to leave them in a lake like trash, it’s horrible.”
An attendee at the press conference by the name Jazmine, who is also transgender, spoke with the news outlet and said, “That scares me. That scares me a lot.” She fears someone is targeting the transgender community and worries for her safety. “I’m human. In the flesh. Like y’all. I’m just asking you to respect me and don’t bother me in my everyday life if I’m not messing with you or doing anything,” she said.
Prayers for the family of Chynal Lindsey ??
