A reward of $28,000 has been offered for information about the killing of a transgender woman
On Wednesday, June 15, Brazil Johnson was shot and killed near Teumonia and Garfield Avenue in Milwaukee. Authorities have been unable to find any clues leading to a suspect. Milwaukee Crime Stoppers is offering a $28,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in connection with the death of Brazil Johnson.
Johnson’s mother, Bernitha Gildart, believes her daughter was killed because she was a transgender woman. Gildart told Fox6now, “Brazil was a very free spirit, very fun-loving, believed in herself; believed in others when they didn’t believe in themselves.”
In a statement, Milwaukee County Supervisor Peter Burgelis said the $28,000 reward was to provide an “added incentive” for people to come forward with any information.
The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Cream City Foundation, and Milwaukee Crime Stoppers each contributed $1,000 to the reward. Michael Hupy, president attorney of the Milwaukee Crime Stoppers, pledged $25,000, bringing the reward from $3,000 to $28,000.
Kevin Turner, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center executive director, said, “We stand with the family. We’re here to support our transgender community [which] is being attacked on record levels and we want to make sure that their voices are heard,” according to CNN.
The captain of the Milwaukee Police Department district, Raymond Bratchett said, “The trans community in Milwaukee is in mourning; they’re in pain. Let’s not forget Brazil Johnson’s name and her story. And let’s find the person or people responsible for this. If you know something, say something.”
Captain Bratchett announced that the investigation is ongoing, and the motive remains unclear.
Anyone with information about the murder of Brazil Johnson can contact Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-8477.
