The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) has learned of the hate violence and intimate partner violence related homicides of Felicia Barahona, age 36, and Miguel Barahona, age 4. According to media reports, Felicia and Miguel were found dead in their apartment on Monday, December 26th, 2016, and the child’s father, Isaac Duran Infante, age 23, has been arrested in connection with the homicide. Infante allegedly told police that part of the motivation for the killing was that Felicia dressed their son in “girl’s clothing” and referred to the child as a girl on Facebook. Felicia Barahona had been Duran’s teacher at Dewitt Clinton High School, and she had initiated their relationship when he was underage.
“This double homicide is tragic on many levels, and while we don’t wish to oversimplify the complex issues involved, we do wish to bring attention to the fact that gender-related bias and transphobia may have been motives in this case.” said Shelby Chestnut, Director of Community Organizing and Public Advocacy at the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “This is an indication that transgender issues need to be at the forefront of anti-violence and family violence work.”
According to NCAVP’s most report, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and HIV-Affected Hate Violence in 2015, there were 24 reported hate violence homicides of LGBTQ people, a 20% increase from the 20 reported anti-LGBTQ homicides in 2014. NCAVP’s report Intimate Partner Violence in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV Affected Communities in 2015, documented thirteen IPV homicides in 2015. In 2015, people of color made up 10 (77%) of the 13 reports of LGBTQ and HIV-affected IPV homicides. Six of the homicide victims were transgender women, four were cisgender men, and three were cisgender women.
NCAVP is a resource for anyone who experiences violence. For more information, or to locate an antiviolence program in your area, please contact us at info@ncavp.org or visit us online. Join NCAVP in our efforts to prevent and respond to LGBTQ and HIV-affected violence. To learn more about our national advocacy and receive technical assistance or support, contact us at info@ncavp.org.
If you are a member of the media, please contact:
Sue Yacka, New York City Anti-Violence Project: syacka@avp.org or 212-714-1184
NCAVP works to prevent, respond to, and end all forms of violence against and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) and HIV-affected communities. NCAVP is a national coalition of local member programs and affiliate organizations who create systemic and social change. NCAVP is a program of the New York City Anti-Violence Project.