In Video: California police search for three suspects in alleged hate crime against transgender woman
LA Police Search for Three Suspects in Alleged Hate Crime and Sexual Assault
A chilling hate crime and sexual assault has left a 61-year-old woman, Sabrina de la Pña, shaken and fearful for her life. The attack occurred on April 8th in LA’s West Lake neighborhood, and police are still searching for three suspects responsible for the alleged crime.
According to de la Pña, she was closing up her store after a long day of work when a suspect approached her. Despite her clear rejection of his advances, he persisted, flirting with her and eventually throwing her to the ground. He began physically assaulting her, punching her repeatedly, and even pepper-sprayed her.
The attack was not a one-time incident. De la Pña claims that the same suspect returned multiple times, accompanied by other men, threatening to kill her while continuing to physically assault her. The suspects also attempted to tase her and threw an unknown liquid at her, leaving the victim shaken and fearful.
Surveillance video provided to NBC News appears to show the struggle between de la Pña and one of the suspects. The footage shows the suspect dragging de la Pña onto the balcony and throwing her to the ground, punching her repeatedly.
Despite her fear, de la Pña has spoken out about the incident, sharing her story in hopes that someone will come forward to identify the suspects. She has also shared her frustration with the lack of response from the police and her feeling of being left unprotected.
“I know he doesn’t care about me cuz I’m trash. As the days pass without arrest, de la says her fears only grow. Now we closing early because uh I scared he come and killing me. I don’t want to die. I got a little girl. No one is protecting me. We are human beings. You know, we are human,” de la Pña said.
The LAPD has confirmed that the incident is an active investigation and is asking the public to help identify the three suspects. De la Pña is hoping that someone in LA will recognize the suspects and come forward to tell police.
With the incident still under investigation, the LAPD is also warning that there may be other unidentified victims out there. De la Pña is pleading for someone to come forward and help bring the perpetrators to justice.
The case is a stark reminder of the growing concern for hate crimes and sexual assault in the LGBTQ+ community. It is essential that we continue to raise awareness and support for victims of such crimes, and work towards creating a society that is inclusive and safe for all.
