Watch CBS News

Transgendered Woman, 32, Murdered In Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD (CBS) — A 32-year-old transgendered woman was shot to death in Hollywood, and police Friday sought the public's help to find the killer.

Nathan Henry Vickers -- who preferred to be called Cassidy Nathan Vickers -- was found just before 10 p.m. Thursday near Lexington Avenue and Gower Street, said Officer Cleon Joseph of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Vickers was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives believe the victim was standing in the area -- known to attract prostitutes -- when an unknown suspect walked up and shot her, Joseph said. The suspect led on foot.

The motive for the shooting was unknown but police now believe this murder is linked to an attempted robbery of a black transgender woman near Plummer Park in West Hollywood around 10:45. The suspect in that case fired a black semi-automatic weapon at the victim before fleeing the scene.

The suspect is described as black with medium complexion and light facial hair. He is in his late-20s and stands between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall.

The man has skin tags around his eyes and matted hair covered by a knit cap with a one- to two-inch wide bill.

Police urged anyone with information regarding this shooting to contact Hollywood Homicide detectives at (213) 972-2910 or 1-877-LAPD-24-7.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.