'Don't Let It Be A Cold Case': Trans Woman Killed In Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, WI — A family is seeking justice after a transgender woman was killed in Milwaukee's north side nearly two weeks ago.

Brazil Johnson, 28, was shot and killed in the 2200 block of North Teutonia Avenue on June 15, the Milwaukee Police Department said in a statement. Police haven't found or identified the killer, who shot her multiple times.

Johnson was kind and helpful to others, her mother Bernitha Gildart told Patch. Police haven't stated a clear motive behind the killing, and Johnson's mother didn't know of any enemies she may have had.

Working as a chef, Johnson found a haven in the kitchen, Gildart said.

"She would stand her ground and was eager to let people know who she was," Gildart said.

"I think it was a hate crime," she said. "It's a nightmare come to life."

The killing reflects an upward trend of transgender people being killed in the United States, LGBTQ+ health equity advocate Elle Halo told Patch.

In the U.S., 17 transgender people were killed up to this date in 2022, and Johnson's name was the latest to be put on the list, the Human Rights Campaign reported. The campaign counted 50 deaths in 2021 and more than 40 in 2020.

Trans women are also attacked, sexually assaulted, stalked and cyber stalked daily, Halo said. The trend in deaths is on track with existing harassment, but Halo saw an increase in hate-driven attacks on younger victims.

Not all trans people can get their names and gender changed on legal documentation, so the actual number of deaths may be lower than what is reported, Halo added.

The initial reports from police and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office listed Johnson's dead name, or her name before her transition.

"Is it a trend or was it always really high?" Halo said. "I think hate-driven violence is higher across the board."

Parents of transgender or gender-non-conforming children should be supportive and listen to what their children have to say, Gildart said.

"Make sure to stand by your kids' side and be aware of homophobic people," she said. "Be supportive and hear the things they tell you."

"Support people how you want to be supported," Halo said to allies. "If people are in an emergency moment, don't let it be a moment that ends up going on for years."

Halo urged a further investigation in Johnson's death.

"We need a push to seek justice and investigate, not just let it become a cold case," she added.