NCAVP mourns the death of Viccky Gutierrez in Los Angeles, CA

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NCAVP mourns the death of Viccky Gutierrez, who was killed in a fire police are describing as “suspicious” in Los Angeles on January 10, 2018. The Los Angeles Police Department announced on Friday, January 12 that they currently have a suspect in custody in relation to the fire. Bamby Salcedo, President of TransLatin@ Coalition, announced Viccky’s death in a Facebook post, writing: “It is with deep sadness, rage and pain that I have to share with all of you that one of our sisters was brutally murdered in #southlosangeles last night.” As the LAPD continues to investigate the fire, local activists including Salcedo as well as Mariana Marroquin at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Anti-Violence Project are working to ensure justice for Viccky.

 “It is a sad day for the transgender community after the death of Vicky Gutierrez, a young immigrant transgender woman from Honduras. Vicky was an active member and a leader in Los Angeles, where she found love and support away from her country and family,” said Mariana Marroquin, program manager of the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Anti-Violence Project. “As one of the nation’s largest providers of services to empower and enhance the lives of transgender people, the Center along with other organization is working closely with Los Angeles Police Department to leave no stone unturned during the investigation of Vicky’s death. She deserves justice—and nothing less.”

We mourn the loss of Viccky Gutierrez, a Latina trans woman from Honduras who was remembered by friends as “the nicest girl in the world,” whose “smile would give anyone comfort,” and “an inspiration for many of us.” A vigil for Vicky has been scheduled for the evening of Friday, January 12, 2018.

In memory of Viccky Gutierrez.

A fund has been set up to send Viccky Gutierrez’s remains back to her family and provide for a funeral service. Donate to the fund here.

We know it can be hard to read these reports of violence against our communities. If you need support in these difficult times, you can always reach out to your local NCAVP member. Read the full list here.

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.