Examining case outcomes in US transgender homicides: an exploratory investigation of the intersectionality of victim characteristics

Abstract

Empirical research has yet to explore the intersections of victim characteristics on case outcomes (e.g. guilty, not guilty, unsolved) in transgender homicides. Drawing on queer criminological and intersectional frameworks, both theoretically and methodologically, we explore this relationship using data from 105 transgender homicide cases in the United States between 2010 and 2016. Although only an exploratory study due to our small and sparse sample, both bivariate and multivariate analyses reveal that case outcomes are patterned on the intersections between trans homicide victim race, gender identity, and age at death. We find that while Black trans women are the most common group of trans homicide victim, their cases are among the least likely to result in a guilty verdict. We also find that age plays a unique role in the likelihood of conviction creating an eldership advantage for some race and gender identity intersections but serving as a disadvantage for others.