Remembering Islan Nettles
A look back at a Black transgender woman's murder.
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Finally: NYPD Makes Arrest in the Nettles Murder Case - The NYPD arrested a Brooklyn man for the 2013 murder of Islan Nettles. James Dixon, 24, was indicted for manslaughter and felony assault in a Manhattan court. Held without bail, Dixon made no comments about his arrest other than pleading not guilty in front of the judge. Nettles's mother Delores told DNA Info, "I still want to know the facts, but it's been a long time coming." Read on to learn more about Islan Nettles. — Kellee Terrell(Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images)
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Who Was Islan Nettles? - Islan Nettles, only 21 years old, was an aspiring fashion designer. While she had been on the verge of homelessness, she had recently landed a job at H&M and had moved into a new apartment in Harlem, New York, before her death. Her friends and family told the New York Times that since she began living as a woman, Islan was more confident and happy with who she was.(Photo: Islan Nettles via Facebook)
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What Happened? - On Aug. 17, 2013, Nettles and a few friends were walking home and Nettles was attacked in front of a Harlem police station by a group of men who were catcalling the group, witnesses recalled. When the men realized that Nettles was transgender, she was brutally attacked and called anti-LGBT names. (Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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What Happened After Her Attack? - After her attack, Nettles was taken to Harlem hospital where she fell into a coma and was later pronounced brain dead. After four days, her family took her off of life support and Nettles died. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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Gone But Not Forgotten - Shortly after her death, hundreds gathered in Harlem to celebrate Nettles’ life and to shed light on the violence that Black transgender people face. Nettles family, trans women from the community and advocates took part, including actress and trans woman Laverne Cox. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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