Family and friends recognized an individual who was discovered lifeless on the aspect of Mulholland Freeway as Day Rodas, a 27-year-old transgender girl who labored and advocated for LGBTQ well being and rights.
Rodas’ physique was discovered Thursday morning within the 33000 block of Mulholland Freeway — a rural two-lane freeway with few buildings close by — and authorities have launched few particulars across the circumstances of her demise. Officers launched no extra info, similar to whether or not there’s a potential suspect in her demise or a car she drove to the spot the place she was discovered.
Her physique was discovered about 7:45 a.m., and firefighters tried to deal with her, however she was pronounced lifeless on the scene.
In an announcement, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Division mentioned her physique confirmed no apparent indicators of trauma. Coroner officers haven’t launched a reason behind demise. The case is being dealt with by sheriff’s division murder investigators.
Family and friends mentioned they have been nonetheless on the lookout for solutions about what occurred to Rodas, and that they have been devastated by her demise.
“She was only a very accepting individual,” mentioned Steve Lopez, a buddy.
Rodas had begun her transition earlier this 12 months and, about six months in the past, instructed these round her she recognized as a girl.
“She just lately began residing her life authentically as she got here out to family and friends about being a trans girl,” her household wrote in a GoFundMe hoping to lift cash for funeral prices. “After being afraid for 27 years, she solely obtained to reside freely with out worry for under six months, which breaks our hearts.”
Rodas additionally labored with the Los Angeles LGBT Heart in its neighborhood well being program.
“Day was a significant member of the Heart, working inside our Neighborhood Well being Program, and she or he labored devotedly throughout her tenure to maintain LGBTQ+ individuals educated, knowledgeable and protected,” mentioned Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the middle, in an announcement.
Hollendoner famous that hate crimes and hateful rhetoric towards transgender individuals are on the rise. He additionally criticized legislation enforcement and native media for misgendering Rodas when her physique was discovered. When her physique was found Thursday, sheriff officers mentioned the physique a lady’s. Hours later, the division issued an up to date information launch and mentioned the physique was a person’s.
Household and pals mentioned Day had suffered disrespect when she started to establish as a transgender girl and adopted the identify Day.
“Shortly after becoming a member of our group, Day introduced that she recognized as a transgender girl,” Hollendoner mentioned within the assertion. “Her colleagues and household alike have expressed that Day appeared like she was starting a brand new chapter — one the place she may lastly be her genuine self. To have her life minimize quick on this second — and beneath such troubling circumstances — makes her loss all of the extra heartbreaking.”
