Suspect Charged in Murder of Tahiry Broom, Trans Woman Killed in Southfield
‘Every person is entitled to live without fear of violence,' said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald
The Michigan LGBTQ+ community is grieving the loss of Tahiry Broom, a 29-year-old transgender woman from Cleveland who was fatally shot in Southfield on Feb. 9. Robert Ridges III, 28, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death.
“We unfortunately, as a community, just closed the chapter in receiving justice for another trans woman of color, Ashia Davis, and now, less than 90 days later we are hoping to get justice for Tahiry Broom,” Julisa Abad, victim advocate and Director of Outreach at Fair Michigan, told Pride Source. “The violence that my community faces goes to show that this is an epidemic that is not ending anytime soon.”
Prosecutors allege that Ridges met Broom near the Riverstone Apartments complex before the shooting occurred following an altercation. According to multiple reports, Broom was found dead, facedown in the snow outside the apartment complex on the morning of Feb. 9.
Ridges was arrested at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit hours later. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearm possession. Ridges' bond was denied and his next court appointment is Feb. 26.
Southfield Police are considering hate crime charges, according to Fox 2 Detroit.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren told the outlet that he had spoken to Broom's mother. "She shared with me how much she meant to her, how she was a very intelligent person," Barren said. "She mentioned that it was a joy. Certainly, a joy to her life."
In a statement, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald emphasized the fundamental right to safety for all individuals. “Every person is entitled to live without fear of violence. Tahiry Broom had family and friends who loved her. She did not deserve to die and her killer will be brought to justice,” McDonald said. (Editor's Note: Pride Source has chosen not to link to the Oakland County webpage as the news release about this incident includes the legal name given to the victim at birth. A county representative explained that Broom's birth name had been shared widely in other media and that it was not their intention to deadname her.)
Speaking with WXYZ Detroit, local trans rights advocate Jeynce Poindexter highlighted how increasing anti-trans rhetoric contributes to violence against the community. "What continues to happen is, by the trans community being labeled as the other and constantly ostracized, it allows for victimization to creep in at every angle... harassment, discrimination, violence, the threat of, or essentially in this case, murder. Hatred breeds hatred," Poindexter told the outlet.
“I’m so grateful that the defendant is already in custody and I am confident that Karen McDonald and the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office will make sure that she, her family and our community continue to get justice,” Abad said. “I want my community to continue to be vigilant. Continue to report crimes and continue to come forward, and if you have any information, please reach out to the Fair Michigan Justice Project, so that every Michigander is safe."
Learn more about the Fair Michigan Justice Project at fairmichigan.org/fair-michigan-justice-project.
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