ATLANTA — Police are investigating the shooting death of a gender-nonconfirming person in Atlanta.
Nino Fortson, 36, was shot to death on Sunday while walking home, during an argument with a group of people, police said.
Family and friends wonder if Forston’s gender identity and expression may have played a role in the murder.
"They robbed me of my mate, my soulmate, my best friend," Nino's girlfriend, Sonteria Williams, said.
Fortson was a member of the local ballroom scene. Loved ones and allies are mourning Forston using the hashtag #JusticeForNino on social media in hopes of finding the person who pulled the trigger.
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Williams said losing her soulmate in a tragic manner is indescribable.
“I loved her smile. I did. I loved her smile,” she said.
She and Fortson had been together for nearly a decade and shared a blended family.
“To be honest with you, I feel empty. I feel like someone stole something from me that I will never be able to get back," Williams said.
Forston died on May 13 from multiple gunshot wounds after the shooting along Woods Drive.
“They knew she was a woman who dressed like man. I believe it was a hate crime,” Williams said.
Atlanta police could not confirm if Fortson's gender identity and expression played a role in the murder.
However, a witness told investigators that Fortson got into a verbal altercation with two women and two men and that she fired a small firearm into the air while walking away.
A few minutes later, one of the men in the group came back and opened fire and took off.
“Whatever happened, I feel like she felt threatened. That was her way to say, 'I don’t want trouble,'" Williams said.
Fortson was rushed to the hospital but there was nothing doctors could do.
Grieving loved ones told us they want justice.
If you know anything about this case, you're urged to CrimeStoppers a call at 404-577-TIPS (8477).
Forston will be laid to rest on Wednesday.
Cox Media Group
