On Trans Day of Visibility, Black Trans Woman Kaitoria ‘Kai’ Bankz, 31, Shot to Death.

An attempted carjacking left a Black trans woman dead and her brother hospitalized on Monday, March 31, 2024 in Autaugaville, Alabama. Her name was Kaitoria ‘Kai’ Le’Cynthia Bankz.

The would-be carjacker, Kelmen Merrell King, is in police custody.

WSFA reports that Bankz and King communicated online before the deadly incident and met for what investigators believe would be a sexual encounter. Bankz brought her brother, the sheriff said, though he provided no other details as to why.

Law enforcement alleges King attempted to commit a carjacking. He shot Kai who was pronounced dead at the scene. Her brother, Cameron Reynolds, was shot in the head and transported to a local hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery. Cameron identifies as a gay Black man.

King surrendered and is facing homicide and attempted homicide charges. No further information on the killing has been released.

Honoring Kai

Her name was Kaitoria ‘Kai’ Le’Cynthia Bankz also known as Mi Amor. Born on August 24, 1984, she was 31 years old at the time of her death. She was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama.