Transgender woman fatally stabbed in the neck in Harlem; friend believes she was killed over a wig
A transgender woman was fatally stabbed in the neck in a Harlem park early Saturday by a suspect who fled the scene on a motor scooter, police said.
Cops were called to Harlem River Park near the corner of E. 128th St. and Third Ave. about 1:30 a.m. to find the 33-year-old victim sprawled on the ground, bleeding from a gaping wound in the neck, officials said.
Medics rushed the victim to Harlem Hospital, but doctors were unable to save her.
Witnesses told police that the woman was sitting a bench at the athletic field when her attacker stormed up and started arguing with her. As the two fought, the suspect pulled out a blade and knifed her in the neck before speeding off on scooter.
A gruesome blood trail that started on the bench and ended several feet away was still visible Saturday morning.
Friend Lavonia Brooks said the victim, nicknamed “Lexi,” was a prostitute who may have been attacked by another transgender streetwalker.
Earlier in the night, Lexi ripped a wig off another transgender woman, Brooks explained.
“What happened last night was uncalled for,” Brooks said. “It was all over a wig, a f—— wig.
“She did her thing at the park and stuff, but she mostly stayed to herself,” said Brooks, remembering Lexi’s love of poetry, fashion and makeup. “I really looked up to her because of her tolerance and respect. Lexi had a beautiful heart, she was very gifted.”
Cops were scouring the park and surrounding streets Saturday for surveillance footage of the attack that could help them identify the suspect.
No arrests have been made.
Photo Credit: Theodore Parisienne/for New York Daily News