22-year-old Latina Trans Woman Marilyn Cazares Killed in Southern California

Marilyn Cazares was a 22-year-old trans Latina when her body was discovered in an abandoned residential building on Tuesday, July 13, 2020 in Brawley, California.

Brawley police are treating her death as a homicide even without releasing much information. Marilyn’s was discovered when authorities responded to a nearby couch fire.

Local media, police, and Marilyn’s family misgender and deadname her. Her family told local media she had been stabbed and burned. They speak very lovingly of her, sharing insight into her personality and life experiences, but again they do this while misgendering and deadnaming her.

Marilyn is at least the 22nd transgender person to lose their life to violence in the US. She is the 4th known homicide victim in July and the 7th Latina in 2020. Nine of the 22 were 25 and younger.

We are investigating another reported homicide while composing this post. It is heartbreaking to realize we cannot even keep pace with the reporting.

Rest in power, Marilyn. You were surrounded by love, even by those who could not say your name. Your big vivacious personality and boundless love are part of your legacy. May we find justice for your death. May we always say your name.