Philadelphia police arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the shooting death of trans hooker Kiesha Jenkins.
Jenkins, 22, was shot and killed On Oct. 6, after getting out of a car in a rough neighborhood early Sunday morning.
Police say Jenkins was immediately surrounded by a group of men who attempted to rob him.
A tip led police to Pedro Redding, who confessed to firing the 2 shots that killed Jenkins.
Referring to the sex worker as a “young woman,” Philadelphia police Capt. James Clark said Jenkins fought back and “gave a valiant fight and that is why one of them pulled out a gun and shot and killed” Jenkins.
Though the murder took place in a part of town frequented by trans hookers, police do not think Jenkins’ cross-dressing played a role in his slaying.
“This is not a hate crime at all, I mean it’s a sad and senseless murder but it is not a hate crime,” Clark said.
According to WPVI-TV, Redding may have targeted another trans hooker in 2013. But those charges were dropped when the victim failed to show up in court.
Jenkins’ death is the 2nd murder of a trans prostitute in Philadelphia in 2015.
Thanks to loyal reader Marcella B. for the tip.
