What happened to Dominique Fells?

 

Dominique Fells, a 27-year-old Black trans woman, was killed on or about June 8 on the banks of the Schuylkill River. Police described the grisly scene near Bartram’s Garden. Fells had suffered injuries to her head and face, and both of her legs had been severed, seemingly by a train. 

 

Akhenaton “Akh” Jones, 36, is being charged with murder, tampering with evidence, abuse of corpse and related offenses. Friends had reported seeing her arguing with a man shortly before her death; Jones, 36, is an acquaintance of Fells, 27. Police recovered a cutting tool inside the home and also discovered blood, according to NBC Philadelphia. 

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What happened with her case?

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Though the medical examiner has yet to release autopsy results or an official cause of death, Chief Inspector Scott Small with the Philadelphia Police Department via 6ABC reported that the state of Fells’ body indicates that she sustained injuries to the head and face. She was also found with both legs severed in a manner that might suggest they were run over by a train. Her legs were not recovered at the scene or elsewhere. The manner of death has been officially ruled a homicide, Staff Inspector Sekou Kinebrew told PGN. 

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“One more precious Black trans woman’s life has been violently taken,” said trans woman and community organizer, Deja Lynn Alvarez. “Fells was an absolutely beautiful woman,” said Alvarez in a Facebook post, “She was stolen from us. Her life mattered. She, and the hundreds of other trans people taken from us over the years, will never be forgotten. Please join us in remembrance of our sister, demanding justice for her and her family, and embracing love and acceptance for those of us who live in constant worry we could be next. We cannot let hate win.” 

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Police believe the suspect, Jones, is not currently in the Philadelphia area, but law enforcement officials hope that he will turn himself in before they're forced to search for him, according to Action News. Police have not released any further details regarding the murder and whether or not they believe it was a hate crime, though advocates are clear in taking a strong stance to protect Black trans lives, which are among the most high risk individuals in the country for facing attacks like these. 

This case is open and still under investigation. 

 

What can we do? 

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1. Sign the petition demanding justice for Dominque Fells:

 

 

2. Sign the human rights campaign demanding for the protection of black trans women:

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