Human Rights Campaign Wants Probe of Duanna Johnson's Murder

November 12, 2008

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The nation's largest gay civil rights organization is calling for a thorough investigation of the murder of a transgender woman who was preparing to sue Memphis police.

Duanna Johnson was found shot to death in North Memphis, according to her lawyer.

Memphis police say it happened just before midnight at Hollywood near Staten Avenue, Sunday, November 9, 2008.

According to detectives, when officers arrived at the scene, they found the body lying in the street. Police say a witness heard gunfire and then saw three people running away from the scene. Investigators do not have any suspects at this time.

Duanna Johnson was beaten by police early this year while being arrested. The beating was recorded by a jailhouse video camera and led to the firing of two police officers.

The Human Rights Campaign issued a statement Wednesday, saying the Memphis Police Department needs to renew its "commitment to treating transgender people with respect and fairness."

Police say the shooting is under investigation and no arrests have been made.