black trans woman found murdered in oklahoma city motel

Early Monday morning, 31-year-old Brooklyn BreYanna Stevenson was found dead after police were called for a 2:30 a.m. disturbance to an Oklahoma City motel.

“Right now, there are no arrests in this case. Anyone with information, we want to hear from them through our homicide tip line,” said Oklahoma City Police Spokesman, MSgt. Gary Knight Monday.

At the time of this post, police are still investigating what motive played a role in Stevenson’s murder and it is unknown who and if the police have any suspects thus far. Stevenson identity as a transwoman has brought out questions from the small local LGBTQIA community about whether or not this fact played a role in her death.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Paula Sophia Schonauer, a trans advocate briefly knew Stevenson before the murder. “When I found out (Monday) night, it broke my heart. I’ve gotten to know Brooklyn a little bit. I knew how hard she was trying and how much she was working to establish her identity and to establish a place in the world for herself.”

Brooklyn BreYanna Stevenson’s family has created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs.

Police officers are seeking information released to the case. You can contact the city’s homicide tip line at (405) 297-1200.