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Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Deontae Antoine Close, 31, (DOB: 09/15/1990), of Detroit, in connection with the fatal shooting of a 33-year-old transgender woman of Ohio. The victim's preferred name was Dede. Her dead name is Deangelo Ricks. *

On August 27, 2022, at approximately 3:39 a.m., Detroit police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 2530 block of Manistique Street for a reported shooting. Upon their arrival, officers located the victim lying on the ground, unresponsive, with a gunshot wound to her right back and left chest. Medics arrived on scene and pronounced the victim deceased.

It is alleged that Defendant Close produced and fired a handgun, fatally wounding the victim. Investigation by the Detroit Police Department led to the arrest of the defendant later the same day.

Deontae Antoine Close has been charged with one count of Second-Degree Murder, and one count of Felony Firearm. **

He was arraigned on August 30, 2022, in 36th District Court, and given a $500,000/10% bond. If released, the defendant was to receive a GPS tether, and will not be allowed to possess weapons. The Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for September 13, 2022, at 8:30 a.m., and the Preliminary Examination is scheduled for September 20, 2022, at 1:45 p.m., before Judge Kenneth King. Please request a photograph of the defendant from the Detroit Police Department after the arraignment.

"This is beyond concerning that this is the second trans murder in less than two weeks. The cases do not appear to be related. However, we have seen this happen before and hope that this does not become a pattern. While some protections for transgender citizens in Michigan are finally beginning to be recognized, their lives are still very much in danger," said Prosecutor Worthy.

"The fact that we have seen two homicides of transgender women in just three weeks shows the danger this community faces. Rather than being supported, we often hear people vilify the transgender community which fuels this kind of violence and hate. We are proud to work with Prosecutor Worthy's office on these cases, and we hope to bring justice to the victims and their families," Fair Michigan President Alanna Maguire said

FMJP is a collaboration between the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and Fair Michigan Foundation, Inc., headed by President Alanna Maguire. The program assists Michigan law enforcement officers and prosecutors in solving serious crimes against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons.

*A deadname is the name that a transgender person was given at birth and no longer uses upon transitioning.

**The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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