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Updated Press Release - August 3, 2018 - Man Charged in Non-Fatal Shooting of Transgender Woman
Man Charged in Non-Fatal Shooting of Transgender Woman
Today Prosecutor Kym Worthy, in conjunction with Fair Michigan, has charged Deonton A. Rogers, 29, in connection with a non-fatal shooting of a 29-year-old transgender woman, both of Detroit.
On July 23, 2018, at 8:09 p.m., Detroit police officers were dispatched to a non-fatal shooting that occurred in a gas station in the 15400 block of W. Seven Mile Road. It is alleged that the defendant approached the victim in the gas station and made a lewd remark to her. When he was informed by the victim that she is a transgender woman, he engaged in a verbal argument with her about her gender identification. As the argument continued, it is alleged that Rogers pulled a gun from his waistband. As the victim struggled with him over the weapon, it is alleged that Rogers shot the victim in the shoulder. The defendant fled from the location in his car, leaving his 27-year-old female companion at the station, but with her child in the rear of the car. The child was later found unharmed.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Investigation by the Detroit police led to the arrest of Rogers on Friday, July 26, 2018.Rogers has been charged with Firearm Discharge - Serious Impairment/Injury, Felonious Assault, Felony Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Child Abuse - 4th Degree and Ethnic Intimidation based upon gender*.
Fair Michigan President Dana Nessel said, "This case is another example of the mortal danger faced by transgender individuals in Michigan. The transgender community knows that the Fair Michigan Justice Project, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and the Detroit Police Department stand ready to aggressively prosecute these brutal crimes."
Rogers was arraigned in 34th District Court in Romulus on Saturday, July 28, 2018. The preliminary examination is scheduled for August 13, 2018 before Judge McConico in 36th District Court. He received a two million dollar cash bond.
*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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