A person shot to death around 2 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026 in Dallas, Texas was identified as Paris Harris, a 21 year-old Black trans gender non-conforming young adult, according to the Dallas Voice.
The Crime
Please note that we do not have absolute clarity on how Paris identified so we are using a broad term ‘gender non-conforming’ that’s consistent with the facts we can access. Trans is also an umbrella term. I have chosen to use they/them pronouns because of the lack of clarity.
According to Dallas Police Department records, Harris was shot 1800 block of Park Row Avenue. Police did not publicly identify Harris at the time, saying only that the victim appeared to be “a man who presented as female.”
Paris was transported to a hospital where they died.
Police have arrested and charged 30-year-old Richard Coleman with murder. Coleman is currently being held in the Dallas jail on a $100,000 bond.
The investigation into Harris’ murder is ongoing and is documented under case number 054325-2026. Police ask that anyone with information regarding this shooting contact Det. Adam Joslin by calling 214-649-2790 or via email at Adam.Joslin@DallasPolice.gov.
Honoring Paris
Paris was born in Wichita Falls, Texas where they graduated high school in 2023. They relocated to Dallas.
According to their Facebook profile, their favorite color was yellow.
Their obituary described someone who was “known for a pure heart and soul, a unique gift for both testing your patience and making you smile in the same moment. They were a ray of sunshine and a ball of joy who could fill any room with laughter within seconds. They were truly the life of the party, dancing to the beat of his own drum, always unapologetically Paris.”
Paris’ social media feed celebrates nail artistry, friendship, and fun. The vibe is very much what you’d expect from a young adult. And that narrative ended too soon.
Context
Paris is the ninth trans person whose violent death has been reported in the US during 2026. I have no doubt there have been other violent deaths, they are just hidden for reasons I laid out earlier. It is on all of us to honor those who lives were taken in shadows, in silence, and under cover of anti-trans bias.
Paris is the sixth trans person of color, and the fifth Black transperson on this list for 2026. At age 21, Paris is the youngest person on this list.
Just yesterday, I reported the murder of 25 year old Jade Roberts in Houston, Texas. Also, note in 2025, Rosa Martinez Machuca In 2024, we documented the deaths of Diamond Cherish Brigman, Dylan Gurley, and Vanity Williams. In 2023, Maria Jose Rivera Rivera, Unidentified Person, and LaKendra Andrews. 2022: Cypress Ramos, Paloma Velasquez, and Marisela Castro. In 2021, Aidelen Evans, Iris Santos, Tiffany Thomas, Iris Santos, Miss CoCo, Kier Laprice (Kartier) Solomon, Za’Niyah Williams, Rubi Dominguez, and Martina Caldera. In 2020, Helle Jae O’Regan, Asia Jynaé Foster, and Chae’Meshia Simms. And 2019, Tracy Single, Muhlaysia Booker, Chynal Lindsey and Itali Marlowe, In 2018, Nikki Janelle Enriquez and Karla Patricia Pavon-Flores, Then, 2017 Kenne McFadden, Gwynevere River Song, Stephanie Montez, and Brandi Seals. And in 2016, Monica Loera, Veronica Cano, Shante Thompson, Erykah Tijerina,
36 violent death reported in a decade. And just like I wrote yesterday in the past for Jade, another violent death was reported today so I’ll be sharing that soon. The surreal feeling is something to examine. As is the racial discrepancy in the media coverage. That’s always been the case historically, but it is even more noticeable now.
Paris was 21. Their death should receive more acknowledgment. Losing two young trans Texans this year is a significant blow.
Rest in power, Paris. Your life was off to a bright and sparkling start, your fierce creativity and self-reliance are goals for everyone. But you deserved to be safe, to explore the world around you without fearing for your existence. And that’s not the world we’ve allowed to unfold. Thank you for all of the gifts you brought to all of us. We will never forget you.
May your memory be a revolution.
Deaths reported in 2026
These individuals are part of the trans community including transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and gender creative folx. Please do not share this content without attribution. Thank you
- Shyyell Diamond Sanchez-Mccray – Petersburg, Virginia. March 13, 2026. Age 42.
- Davonta Curtis – Chicago, Illinois. April 5, 2026. Age 32.
- Dannielle Spillman – San Francisco, California. April 16, 2026. Age 74.
- Aleanna Royal Belcher – Binghamton, New York. April 17, 2026. Age 31.
- Lucas Redbeard Knapp – Candy Kitchen, Cibola County, New Mexico, April 18, 2026. Age 39.
- Hailey Singleton – Dunnellton, Florida, May 5, 2026. Age 29.
- Lanessa Rodriguez – Ft Pierce, Florida, April 28, 2026. Age 35.
- Jade Roberts – Houston, Texas, January 2, 2026. Age 25.
- Paris Harris – Dallas, Texas, April 17, 2026. Age 21.
Other Deaths
We are following these cases, but cannot confirm the details right now.
- Daniella Analee Escobedo – Las Vegas, Nevada (unconfirmed), April 12, 2026. Age 34.
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