Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

A Black trans woman, Kasí Rhea, died from gun shot injuries in Lynchburg, Virginia on Monday, August 18, 2025.

The 31 year old woman was found dead in the front yard of a home in the 1100 block of Rivermont Avenue around 8:58 p.m. Law enforcement and media have misgendered and deadnamed Kasí .

At approximately 8:58 p.m., the Lynchburg Police Department and Lynchburg Fire Department responded to a malicious wounding call in the 1100 block of Rivermont Avenue.

Police told ABC3 News that when they arrived on the scene, they found someone dead in the yard. Police have confirmed that the victim suffered from a gunshot wound. It is unclear if this was Kasi’s house or another residence.

There is no further information from the investigation BUT I did see some of the media coverage updated around Kasi’s name and identity. Her friends and family likely advocated on her behalf, a too often step in the grieving process.

Honoring Kasí 

Kasí  went to Heritage High School and studied at Strayer University. She used the nickname Kaeyy Holmes.

According to her social media profiles, Kasí was open about her struggle with depression. She professed herself a woman of faith. As recently as August 2023, she had her pick of three job offers including one she genuinely wanted. It also appears she was a talented and highly sought after hair stylist for children and adults.

Kasi was very into being a Scorpio and followed multiple astrology pages. Her music tastes include Cardi B, Ciara, and Missy Elliott

Kasi’s family have poured out their shock and grief – it appears she had a large extended family. Kasi’s Facebook page refers to her being married, but does not identify her spouse. Media reports that Kasi had a fiance. Perhaps that will become clearer in the coming days.

Context

Kasí is the 14th trans person whose death has been reported in 2025. .She is the twelfth trans woman. She is the seventh Black trans woman, the tenth Black trans person, and the twelfth transgender person of color on our list.

Virginia has had its fair share of homicides -2023: Lexus Walker– 43′ 2022: Jasper Aaron Lynch – 26, Ariyanna Mitchell –17; 2021 – EJ Boykin / Novaa Watson – 23 who was also killed by gun violence in Lynchburg.

Rest in power, Kasi. Thank you for the beauty and wonder you brought to this world with your artistry. Thank you for loving your family and friends, love that will echo through generations. I am sorry we did not create a safer, kinder world for you.

May your memory be a revolution.

Deaths reported in 2025

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1. Tahiry ‘Tokyo’ Broom – February 9, 2025. Detroit, Michigan. Age 29.
2. Sam Nordquist – February 2025. Canandaigua, New York. Age 24.
3. Amyri Dior – February 21, 2025. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Age 23.
4. Ervianna ‘Baydee’ Johnsonn – February 19, 2025. Tabor City, North Carolina. Age 25.
5. Linda Becerra Moran – February 27, 2025. Los Angeles, California. Age 30.
6. Kaitoria ‘Kai’ Le’Cynthia Bankz – March 31, 2025. Autaugaville, Alabama. Age 31.
7. Kelsey Elem – April 24, 2025. St. Louis, Missouri. Age 25.
8. Shy’Parius Dupree – May 19, 2025. Memphis, Tennessee. Age 32.
9. Laura Schueler – June 7, 2025. Cincinnati, Ohio. Age 47.
10. Hope Lyca Youngblood – June 7, 2025, Los Angeles, California. Age 49.
11. JJ Godbey – June 19, 2025, Canton, Ohio. Age 26.
12. Rosa Martinez Machuca – August 11, 2025, Austin, Texas. Age 24.
13. Kamora Woods – June 25, 2025, Indianapolis, Indiana. Age 27.
14. Kasi Rhea – August 18, 2025, Lynchburg, Virginia. Age 31.

Other deaths I’ve reported during 2025

• Elisa Rae Shupe – January 27, 2025. Syracuse, New York. Age 61.
• Chilendrina Gracia Dominguez – January 18, 2021. Reported February 2025. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Age 42.
• Amira O’Neill – July 6, 2023. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Age 44.
• Jay Lee – July 8, 2022. Oxford, Mississippi. Age 20.