Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department are seeking public assistance in identifying three suspects involved in a violent hate crime against Sabrina de la Peña, a 61-year-old transgender woman. The attack occurred on April 8 at de la Peña’s store in the Westlake District, where she has been a business owner for 30 years.
According to KTLA, the incident began when one suspect flirted with de la Peña. After she rejected his advances, the suspect returned, pushed her to the ground, and sexually assaulted her. Upon realizing she was transgender, he threatened her life. The suspect returned multiple times with two accomplices, committing further assaults.
Surveillance footage shows the suspects attacking de la Peña with a skateboard, pepper spray, and an unknown liquid. They also attempted to stun her with a Taser. De la Peña described the attack, saying, “I was screaming for help, but nobody around giving help to me.”
The LAPD has increased patrols around her store and released surveillance photos of the suspects, urging anyone with information to contact Rampart Division Robbery Detectives at 213-484-3495. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
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