A Brooklyn Man Has Been Arraigned in the 2012 Murder of Transgender Performer Lorena Escalera ‘Xtravaganza’
A Cold Case Solved After a Decade
Lorena Escalera, a 25-year-old transgender performer who went by the stage name Lorena Xtravaganza, was found dead in her apartment in Bushwick, Brooklyn, in May 2012. The case remained unsolved for over a decade until last week, when a Brooklyn man was arraigned on charges connected to her murder.
The Investigation
The investigation into Escalera’s death was reopened in 2020, and new leads were pursued. The case was cracked after forensic evidence, phone records, and surveillance footage were analyzed. The evidence pointed to Henry Pacheco, 44, of Brooklyn, who was arraigned on charges of second-degree murder, second- and third-degree arson, and petit larceny.
The Fire and the Investigation
On May 12, 2012, a fire broke out in Escalera’s apartment, and she was found dead in her bed. The medical examiner determined that she was killed before the fire started, and the Fire Marshal concluded that the fire was not natural or accidental. Surveillance footage showed Pacheco entering and leaving the building around the time of the fire.
The Calls and the Phone Records
Before the fire, Escalera received multiple phone calls from Pacheco, according to the investigation. Phone records showed that some of these calls were answered after she had already died, including one from a person who knew only Pacheco, not Escalera.
The Charges and the Sentence
Pacheco is being held without bail and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. The DA’s office is seeking to hold Pacheco fully responsible for the killing and the arson that put many other lives at risk.
Reaction and Context
The DA and the police commissioner expressed relief and hope that the case has been solved, and that Escalera’s loved ones can find peace. They also acknowledged the ongoing threat of violence and hatred faced by transgender people, including the rise in hate crimes against transgender individuals in New York State.
Hate Crimes and the LGBTQIA+ Community
Hate crimes against transgender New Yorkers rose more than 140% between 2018 and 2023, according to a report by the New York State Comptroller. The LGBTQIA+ performance and ballroom community has kept Escalera close to their hearts as the case remained unsolved for more than a decade.
A Message of Solace and Justice
The DA and the police commissioner hope that the indictment sends a “clear message” to those “living in fear for who they are.” They want to assure the LGBTQIA+ community that every New Yorker deserves to feel safe at home, regardless of their gender identity or expression.
Conclusion
The case of Lorena Escalera’s murder serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for safety and justice faced by transgender individuals. The Brooklyn DA’s office and the NYPD have worked tirelessly to bring this case to a close, and we hope that this indictment brings some measure of solace to Escalera’s loved ones.
FAQs
* What was Lorena Escalera’s stage name?
+ Lorena Xtravaganza
* How old was Lorena Escalera when she was murdered?
+ 25
* How long did it take to solve the case?
+ Over 10 years
* What were the charges against Henry Pacheco?
+ Second-degree murder, second- and third-degree arson, and petit larceny
* What is the maximum sentence Pacheco faces if convicted?
+ 25 years to life in prison
