Highland Park Teen Charged with Hate Crime in Murder of Trans Woman
Wayne County prosecutor files felony murder charges against 18-year-old in death of Christina Hayes
An 18-year-old Highland Park man has been charged with felony murder and a hate crime in the death of Christina Hayes, a 28-year-old transgender woman from Taylor who was found dead behind a Detroit laundromat in June.
Malique Javon Fails was arraigned and remanded to jail Monday morning in 36th District Court before Magistrate Joseph Boyer on charges of felony murder, larceny from a person and hate crime with gender identity bias in connection with Hayes' death. The judge called Fails a "significant danger to the community."
Detroit police officers were dispatched to a laundromat in the 17600 block of Woodward Avenue on June 21 at approximately 3 p.m. for a reported dead person. Officers found Hayes in the alley behind the building, deceased from injuries to her face and neck.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, Fails allegedly gave Hayes money in exchange for sexual acts at approximately 4:30 a.m. on June 21. Prosecutors said that during the transaction, which occurred in an area where police frequently arrest trans women for prostitution, Fails learned Hayes was transgender, which allegedly led to him strangling her to death. Fails then reportedly took back the money, along with Hayes' shoes and cellphone, before fleeing the scene.
Security footage later captured Fails attempting to sell Hayes' phone at a kiosk, according to prosecutors.
Detroit police investigation led to Fails's arrest on Aug. 15.
"This case represents a continuing pattern of vicious attacks and murders on trans women of color. Every single citizen of Wayne County has the right to lead their lives and be safe. We will bring the alleged murderer of Christina Hayes to justice," Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a news release.
The charges highlight the ongoing violence against transgender women, particularly women of color, who face disproportionate rates of violence and homicide nationwide.
"The epidemic against the lives of trans women of color is a tragedy. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office is committed to getting every person justice. I want my community to continue to be vigilant, to come forward and keep reporting crimes to ensure that we are getting the justice we deserve," Julisa Abad, Wayne County prosecutor community engagement liaison, told Pride Source.
Fails' probable cause conference is scheduled for Aug. 26, with a preliminary examination set for Sept. 2. More specific facts and evidence will be presented during the preliminary examination.
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