Man who murdered 20-year-old Black trans woman Taya Ashton sentenced to 48 years in prison
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In a landmark case that sheds light on the ongoing violence faced by transgender individuals, a 29-year-old man has been sentenced to 48 years in prison for the murder of Taya Ashton, a 20-year-old Black transgender woman. DeAllen Price of Capitol Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence in October, and his sentence was handed down on Wednesday.
The tragic incident took place on July 17, 2021, when Price, who was reportedly in a relationship with Ashton, shot and killed her in her Suitland, Maryland, apartment. The motive behind the crime was revealed to be Price’s discovery of Ashton’s transgender identity. This heinous act highlights the urgent need for greater acceptance and understanding within our communities.
Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy expressed her condolences to Ashton’s family and emphasized the importance of respecting individuals’ rights to live their lives authentically. “Taya’s death was a real tragedy for our community, as well as for her family. Her death represents so much more, in terms of our level of tolerance in our community for people who want to express themselves and live their lives on their own terms,” Braveboy said. “Anyone who chooses to do that should be respected and [know] that their lives are as valuable as anyone else’s life.”
Ashton’s name was among the 46 trans and gender non-conforming victims of fatal violence that were read by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) during a speech to commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance on the House floor in November 2021. Pressley raised awareness about the disproportionate number of Black and Latinx trans women who have lost their lives due to violence, adding that these figures are likely an underrepresentation of the true scale of the issue.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 47 transgender and gender non-conforming people were killed by violence in the U.S. in 2021. This marked an increase from the previous year, where the organization reported at least 32 such deaths. Shockingly, people of color accounted for 84 percent of the victims, with Black trans women making up 50 percent of the total.
Further analysis reveals that 36 percent of trans and gender non-conforming victims in 2020 were killed by individuals they knew, including romantic or sexual partners, friends, or family members. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for education and awareness surrounding intimate partner violence within the transgender community. A Washington Post report published in 2021 found that nearly half of all transgender women killed between 2015 and 2020 were murdered by their intimate partners.
While Price’s conviction brings some semblance of justice for Ashton’s untimely death, it is crucial to remember that it is just one step towards addressing the systemic issues faced by transgender individuals. The fight for equality, acceptance, and protection against violence must continue.
As we reflect on this tragic incident, it is imperative for society as a whole to recommit ourselves to creating a safer and more inclusive world for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression. Only through education, empathy, and a collective effort can we hope to prevent further acts of violence against transgender individuals and ensure that they can live their lives authentically and without fear.
Ashton’s murder serves as a stark reminder of the urgent work that lies ahead. It is essential that we support organizations and initiatives dedicated to promoting transgender rights, raising awareness about violence against transgender individuals, and advocating for legal protections. Together, we can build a society where every individual can flourish and where tragedies like this become a thing of the past.
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“Murder of Taya Ashton”
