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Black Trans Woman, Chae’Meshia Simms, Fatally Shot in Richmond
On Monday, November 23, Chae’Meshia Simms was killed in Richmond, Virginia. She was found dead in the driver’s seat of her mother’s car at 6 AM. The car wrecked while moving and police responded.
Police said they have identified the victim of a homicide on Cheatwood Avenue in Richmond’s North Side.About 5:40 a.m. Monday, officers went to the 800 block of Cheatwood Avenue after receiving a report of a vehicle crashing into a structure. First responders found Chae’Meshia Simms inside the vehicle, which had struck a detached garage in an alley. Police said Simms had suffered a gunshot wound and was the vehicle’s sole occupant.
Chae’Meshia was a Black trans woman in her 30’s with her exact age unknown. She was known as ChaeChae. Born and raised in Richmond, she had family that loved her including her godchild. Her social media feeds are filled with funny, sweet, and tender images.
Her birthday appears to be on or near to August 2, based on this sobering post from August 2, 2020. I may be reading into her caption, but I’m sure Chae’Meshia knew very well that the average lifespan of Black trans women in the United States is 35, according to GLAAD.
