Pghlesbian reports Amariey was a graduate of the Woodland Hills High School and "a much beloved coach for the Lady Diamonds", a local "hip hop and majorette team".
While police don't have any further information on exactly what led to her death, Amariey's story painfully mirrors those of other countless trans women taken away by gun violence.
Last fall, PBS News' 'The 19th' reported "2021 has shattered the record of transgender homicides in a year with 47 to date — most of them Black or Latinx — according to the Human Rights Campaign", making 2021 the deadliest year ever recorded for transgendered persons.
Amariey's murder should not serve as a harbinger of trans violence in 2022, but rather as a wake-up call to continue the fight to protect trans lives and end violence perpetuated against the community.
As a community we must apply more pressure to our elected officials to create and pass comprehensive laws and policies that directly support and affirm those of the trans experience.
Amariey's family has created a Go Fund Me to help with funeral expenses. If you would like to contribute please do so here.
In loving memory of Amariey Lei.