Arrest Made in the Fatal Shooting of ‘Kokomo City’ Trans Star, Rasheeda Williams
An arrest has been made in the shooting death of Rasheeda Williams. The Atlanta-based prominent trans woman was best known for her appearance in the upcoming documentary, Kokomo City.
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 17-year-old Jermarcus Jernigan is facing multiple charges, including murder and aggravated, after turning himself in connection to the April 18 killing of the 35-year-old star who performed under the monikers Koko Da Doll or Hollywood Koko that occurred at the Holmes Plaza in the southwest region of Atlanta.
The young man admitted to being the person of interest in the ongoing investigation. After authorities shared with the public, surveillance photos captured from inside a Martin Luther King Jr. Drive gas station of an individual wearing a white hoodie that featured special markings was seen.
Police told reporters that the same person was also seen arguing with Williams before shooting and fleeing the scene. Jernigan surrendered on Wednesday, April 26, a little over a week after the incident at the northwest Atlanta police precinct but denied shooting anyone.
Another man was previously questioned after he was spotted talking to the victim on the evening of her death at an apartment complex. However, a police warrant stated that he and the victim parted ways following a brief conversation.
Williams was reportedly still alive when her body was ultimately found in a parking lot across the street from the Wendy’s restaurant on Hamilton E. Holmes Drive. She was declared dead when authorities arrived on the scene.
Williams was set to make an appearance at the award-winning Sundance Film Festival to promote Kokomo City, which follows the lives of four transgender sex workers in New York and Georgia. The movie was directed by D. Smith and executive produced by Primetime Emmy Award-winning actress and screenwriter, Lena Waithe. It’s set to hit theaters on July 28, 2023.
