‘I want you to come forward’: Family and friends search for answers after Atlanta trans woman killed

On Saturday evening Channel 2′s Veronica Griffin was with family and friends as they joined together for the vigil for a trans woman murdered in southwest Atlanta.

Koko Williams was the second black trans woman to be killed in about a week and activists believe that’s no accident.

“Koko was loved. Koko was loved by many,” her sister Poohbella Alford said. “My sister would never harm anybody.”

Alford believes her sister was targeted because she was a trans woman.

Williams’ body was found outside Holmes Plaza on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Atlanta police released this surveillance video of a man in a red jersey, they believe he may have information to help solve this crime.

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“I just want to say whoever out here that did this to my sister, I want you’ll to come forward - Because my sister would never do this to nobody,” Alford told Channel 2 Action News.

Leaders in the LGBTQ community said it’s becoming a trend for black trans women to be targeted by gun violence.

Just last week, Ashley Burton was shot and killed outside of an apartment complex on Fairburn Road, and another woman was put in the hospital back in January,

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Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens is sending this message of “support and promises” to the LGBTQ community that reads:

In the first few months of this year, we have seen three violent attacks on Black trans women in Atlanta. These tragedies have left us all feeling shocked, outraged, and devastated. On behalf of my Administration, I want to express our solidarity and shared grief with the trans community during this difficult time. I want to assure you that my team and I take these violent incidents extremely seriously. I, Chief Schierbaum, and our entire Administration have made it a top priority to investigate these cases and bring those responsible to justice.

As we navigate these difficult times, I will make myself available to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, our Director of LGBTQ Affairs will continue to serve as your liaison between our Administration and the LGBTQ community.

Thank you for your partnership and support as we move forward. Let us continue to work towards a more just and inclusive Atlanta for all.

Right now, police do not believe any of the cases are connected but they are still investigating.

Anyone looking to help or contribute to Williams’ funeral expenses, click here.

If anyone knows anything about these crimes, contact Atlanta police.

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