Community Mourns Loss of Kasi Rhea, Black Transgender Woman Killed in Lynchburg

The city of Lynchburg, Virginia, is grappling with shock and grief following the murder of Kasí Rhea, a 31-year-old Black transgender woman who was found dead from several gunshot wounds on August 18, 2025 . Rhea, a talented hairstylist and woman of faith, was well known and loved within her community. Her untimely death has sparked an outpouring of support and calls for justice from LGBTQ+ advocates, faith leaders, and allies nationwide.

According to reports from the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), Rhea’s body was discovered in a residential area of Lynchburg. Local authorities responded to the scene and later confirmed she had died from multiple gunshot wounds . Law enforcement officials quickly launched an investigation and have since arrested a suspect in connection with the case. The identity of the suspect has not yet been released publicly, as the investigation remains ongoing.

Police are currently examining whether Rhea and her alleged killer had a prior relationship, but few additional details have been provided to the public at this stage . Community members have called for transparency and diligence as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to Rhea’s death.

Rhea was more than a statistic; she was a vibrant presence in the Lynchburg community. Known for her skill as a hairstylist, she was admired by clients and colleagues alike for her talent, warmth, and resilience . Friends recall her deep faith and her commitment to uplifting others, both in her professional life and through her personal relationships.

In tributes posted online and in statements from advocacy organizations, community members have celebrated Rhea's authenticity and her courage in living openly as a transgender woman. The NBJC described her as "a talented hairstylist and woman of faith" whose life was "stolen" in an act of senseless violence .

The killing of Kasí Rhea has prompted renewed calls for action to address the epidemic of violence against transgender people, particularly Black transgender women, in the United States. According to the NBJC and other advocacy groups, transgender women of color continue to face disproportionate risk of violence, marginalization, and discrimination across the country .

Rhea’s death follows a disturbing pattern documented by organizations such as the Transgender Day of Remembrance project, which tracks violence against transgender and gender non-conforming people worldwide . Advocates stress that these tragedies are often the result of intersecting forms of prejudice, including racism, transphobia, and misogyny.

In a statement, the NBJC urged "all people of conscience to join us in demanding justice for Kasí and accountability for those responsible for her death" . Community vigils and online memorials have been organized to honor Rhea’s memory, with supporters raising funds to assist her family in covering funeral expenses and to support ongoing advocacy efforts .

The murder of Kasí Rhea is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader crisis facing transgender communities in the United States. In 2025, several other transgender women of color have also lost their lives to violence, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change .

Advocacy organizations emphasize the importance of reporting accurately on these crimes, respecting the identities of victims, and raising public awareness about the challenges faced by transgender people. They also call for increased funding for anti-violence programs, accessible healthcare, and legal protections that affirm the rights and dignity of all queer individuals .