WASHINGTON, D.C. — Police are appealing to the public for assistance in solving the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Daquane “Dream” Johnson, a transgender woman from Northeast D.C., who was killed shortly after midnight on July 5 along the 2000 block of Benning Road, N.E.
While police have not publicly identified Johnson as transgender, transgender activists and family members have confirmed her gender identity and expressed concern that her killing may have been a hate crime.
Police Account of the Shooting
In a statement issued on July 5, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported that officers from the Sixth District were flagged down around 12:51 a.m. for an unconscious woman on Benning Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult female victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
“D.C. Fire and EMS responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where, despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced dead,” the statement read.
The police have not named a suspect or announced any arrests in the case. However, a $25,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder. MPD’s Homicide Detective Natasha Kennedy is leading the investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact her at 202-380-6198.
Community and Family Speak Out
While MPD’s public release and official report did not acknowledge Johnson’s identity as a transgender woman, Earline Budd, a prominent D.C. transgender rights advocate, confirmed Johnson’s gender identity after speaking with investigators.
“One of the detectives reached out to me about the case,” said Budd, who also spoke directly with Detective Kennedy. “They confirmed she was a transgender woman.”
Johnson’s aunt, Vanna Terrell, also confirmed her niece’s identity, telling The Washington Blade that Johnson used the name Dream and had plans to legally change her name, though had not yet done so. According to Terrell, Johnson was well known and loved in her community.
Eyewitnesses Point to Possible Hate Crime
The case has stirred even deeper concern after two teenage witnesses, who reportedly knew Johnson’s brother, came forward with disturbing accounts of the shooting.
According to Terrell, the teens told a friend they saw three men confront Johnson as she walked down Benning Road. One of the men allegedly used a derogatory slur aimed at Johnson, seemingly identifying her as transgender. Terrell said one of the witnesses claimed that the shooter continued firing until the gun was empty, indicating what both Terrell and Budd described as “overkill.”
“This sounds very much like a hate crime,” said Budd. “When someone fires that many times, it shows deep malice. It feels personal. It feels targeted.”
Terrell agreed, saying the nature of the attack leaves her convinced that Johnson was targeted because of her identity.
Police Say No Evidence of Hate Motive — Yet
In response to inquiries from the Washington Blade, Officer Ebony Major, a spokesperson for MPD, stated via email:
“At this point, there is nothing in the investigation that indicates the offense was motivated by hate or bias.”
However, both family members and LGBTQ advocates argue that this does not align with what has been reported by eyewitnesses. They urge police to further explore the possibility of bias in the case and to treat the investigation with urgency and sensitivity.
Memorial Planned for Dream Johnson
To honor Johnson’s life, family and friends have organized a memorial gathering on Saturday, July 12, at River Terrace Park, located at 500 36th Street, N.E., not far from where the tragic shooting occurred.
“She had dreams, she had love, and she had community,” said Terrell. “We want people to remember her for who she was — not just how she died.”
Broader Concerns About Violence Against Trans Women
Dream Johnson’s killing adds to the growing list of transgender women of color who have been murdered in the U.S., many in violent circumstances. National statistics consistently show that Black transgender women are disproportionately impacted by violence, often fueled by transphobia, racism, and systemic marginalization.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and local LGBTQ advocacy organizations are calling on law enforcement agencies to improve their reporting standards and to properly identify victims by their affirmed gender and name. Misidentification not only disrespects the victim but can also impede justice and erase the very identity that may have made them a target.
Call to Action
LGBTQ advocates are now urging community members and allies to come forward with any information, no matter how small, that could assist police in solving the case.
“This isn’t just about Dream,” said Budd. “This is about sending a message that trans lives matter and that violence against us will not be ignored.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact MPD’s Homicide Division or reach out anonymously via the Department’s tip line.
As the D.C. community mourns the loss of another trans woman to violence, advocates continue to push for accountability, recognition, and justice. Dream Johnson’s name now joins a growing list of lives taken too soon — and for many, her death is a tragic reminder of how much work still remains.
Leave a Reply