Dallas police are investigating the murder of a male-to-female (MTF) transgender whose body was found in White Rock Lake on Sunday.
According to CBS 11, Dallas Fire-Rescue pulled the body of Chynai Lindsay, 26, from the murky water around 5:30 p.m. Police are concerned that Lindsay might be the latest victim of a serial killer who is targeting the LGBT+ community.
Dallas police are investigating two unsolved murders and multiple unprovoked attacks on MtF transgenders in the DFW area.
“We are concerned. We are actively investigating the case and have reached out to federal authorities for assistance,” said Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall during a Monday afternoon news conference.
Chief Hall said Lindsay died of “homicidal violence.” The FBI released the following statement on Monday:
“The FBI is committed to investigating all federal crimes and providing assistance to our local partners when asked. We will continue to work with the Dallas Police Department as well as all our community partners to address any concerns. If in the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal civil rights violation, the FBI is prepared to assist.”
At least three Black MTF transgenders were attacked and/or murdered in the city since 2017.
Muhlaysia Booker, a 23-year-old MtF transgender, was fatally shot around 6:40 a.m. near a golf course on May 18. Booker was killed weeks after being assaulted by a mob in a viral video that made national headlines.
Edward Thomas, 29, was arrested in connection with the attack on Booker. He was charged with assault and released on bond. Police say he is not linked to Booker’s shooting death.
In October 2018, a MtF transgender was found shot to death in a vehicle parked in southeast Dallas, according to NBC News.
In April, a MtF transgender survived after being repeatedly stabbed in south Dallas. Police have no suspects in those cases.
“These cases, although not directly related at this time, do have some similarities the public needs to be aware of,” Maj. Vincent Weddington told reporters at a news conference in May.
Two of the 3 victims got into a car near an intersection in the area of Spring Avenue and Lagow Street – just before the attacks, Weddington said.
All of the victims were sex workers.
