Police in Charlotte, North Carolina announced arrests in the deaths of two transgender women who were found at separate hotels about two weeks apart.
According to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Dontarius, 21, and Joel, 33, were arrested in connection with the deaths of Jaida, 29, and Remy. Police said Jaida was found stabbed on Easter Sunday at a hotel on Queen City Drive in west Charlotte. Remy was found shot on a Thursday morning at a hotel on North Tryon Street, as reported by local outlets including WBTV.
Police spokesperson Rob Tufano urged transgender women in the area to stay alert. “If they see anything suspicious, if they hear anything suspicious, they’ve got to immediately call 911,” he said.
Investigators said the two men traveled together from Union County and are accused of acting together. Police said they were still working to learn a motive, including whether the killings were hate crimes.
Jaida’s mother, Mary, told reporters she would fight for justice for her daughter. “I don’t care if it takes every breath in my body, I said, ‘I’m getting justice,'” she said. Jaida’s funeral was held the week before.
Court records cited by news outlets show Joel faces two counts of murder along with firearm and robbery related charges. Dontarius faces similar charges. Both are accused, and a court has not found either guilty. Police have not said how the men first came into contact with the women.
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