DETROIT– The Detroit Police Department has identified a murdered man found in women's clothing in an empty lot. However, they are refusing to release the name to the public.
"We have identified the victim, but we are not releasing the name," Detroit Police Officer Leon Rahmaan said. "We are not releasing the name at the request of the family."
Officials at the Wayne County Medical Examiner's office were not available.
Michigan Messenger and Between the Lines, Michigan's statewide LBGT newspaper, filed a formal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Detroit Police Department this afternoon.
Robin Luce-Herrmann, a lawyer for the Michigan Press Association Legal Hotline, said the police may be in the wrong.
"That (reason) is not an exemption under FOIA," Luce-Herrmann said. "That's clear from the statute."
The victim was found in an empty lot at Ellerey and Canfield at at 6:40 a.m. Monday. According to Rahmaan, the victim was "wearing women's clothing" and had been shot in the back of the head.
"We are aware that many in the LBGT community will not talk to police, so we are asking anyone with any information to contact Triangle Foundation," said Melissa Pope, director of victim services at Triangle Foundation, a statewide anti-violence group. "All calls are strictly confidential. Without help from the community, this victim – and all who loved her – will not have justice."
Triangle Foundation is asking anyone with information about the murder to call (313) 537-7000, ext. 313.
