Introduction to a Tragic Event
April 23 marks four years since Iris Santos, a 22-year-old transgender woman, was murdered outside a fast-food restaurant in West Houston. The incident occurred at a Chick-fil-A on Westheimer, leaving her family and the community in shock and grief. As her family seeks answers, advocates are calling for an end to violence against transgender individuals.
Remembering Iris
Iris’s mother, Maria Carreon, fondly remembers her youngest child as a wonderful person who knew from a young age that she was a girl. Born a boy, Iris was different from Maria’s other children, and she let her mother know that she wanted to be a girl, not a boy. Maria supported Iris, and as she explained, "She was my daughter." Iris guided her mother on how to support her, and Maria was proud to have a daughter who was confident in her identity.
The Murder Investigation
On April 23, 2021, Iris was shot and killed outside the Chick-fil-A. The Houston police released surveillance video showing a suspect believed to be involved in the case, but the investigation has yielded no results so far. Detectives are looking for a man wearing white pants and a dark hoodie, seen running from the scene. Maria is still waiting for answers, and with each passing year, she grows more anxious to solve her daughter’s murder.
Seeking Justice and Closure
Maria’s desire for justice and closure is palpable. She wants to know what really happened to her daughter that day, and she hopes that one day she will find out the truth. The lack of progress in the investigation has been frustrating for the family, and they are still seeking answers. As Maria said, "One day I’m going to be happy to find out what really happened to her that day. That’s what I really want."
The Bigger Picture: Violence Against Transgender Individuals
Since 2013, more than 370 transgender and gender non-conforming individuals have been murdered, according to data from the Human Rights Campaign. Texas leads the nation in the number of killings of transgender people, with many cases remaining unsolved. This alarming trend is a cause for concern, and advocates are calling for an end to violence against transgender individuals.
Another Unsolved Case: Paloma Vazquez
Months after Iris was murdered, another transgender woman, Paloma Vazquez, was found shot to death inside her Gulfton-area apartment. Paloma had recently immigrated to the U.S. and was trying to build a new life. Her case also remains unsolved, leaving her family and friends seeking justice and closure. Elia Chino, founder and executive director of FLAS Inc., remembered Paloma as a beautiful girl who was trying to survive and have her own things in this country.
Conclusion
The murders of Iris Santos and Paloma Vazquez are tragic reminders of the violence and discrimination that transgender individuals face. The lack of progress in the investigations is a cause for concern, and it is essential that we continue to seek justice and closure for the families of the victims. We must also work towards creating a society that is inclusive and accepting of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. By doing so, we can hope to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future and create a safer and more compassionate world for everyone.
