ORLANDO, Fla. – Orange County detectives are urging the public to come forward with any information that might help solve the murder of Monique Jade Brooks, a transgender woman who was found near Orange Blossom Trail and the Florida Mall two weeks ago.
Brooks, 49, who was discovered on July 19, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office took to social media on Thursday, offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in connection with Brooks’ death. Investigators, along with friends and members of the LGBTQ+ community, are hopeful that the reward will encourage witnesses to come forward.
CAN YOU HELP? On July 19, 2024, at around 3:50 a.m., deputies responded to the 8200 block of South Orange Blossom Trail regarding a person who was unresponsive. Monique Jade Brooks, who was also known as Robert Ramon Thomas, was taken to the hospital, where she died. Anyone with… pic.twitter.com/fHLcWFC19l
— Orange County Sheriff's Office (@OrangeCoSheriff) August 8, 2024
A friend of more than two decades, Mulan Williams said she is advocating for an arrest.
“I had just seen Monique the night before. She stopped by my house to show me her new car,” said Williams. “Monique was always there for people.”
Brooks’ death marks the 24th violent killing of a transgender person in the United States in 2024, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Last year, the National Center for Transgender Equality reported 53 transgender individuals were killed nationwide.
“She was a transgender woman, but she was human. She was someone’s child,” Williams said. “Her mother is suffering tremendously, her friends are still in shock, and the community needs to know she was a real person.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for the $5,000 reward.
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