MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The mother of an 18-year-old Black teenager, who was tragically shot in Alabama this week, asserts that her daughter’s death was a result of her transgender identity.
Cameron Thompson was shot multiple times just after midnight on Monday, and her remains were discovered later that day in close proximity to her residence, as per Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Captain Jack Kennedy.
Reports indicate that the victim and the alleged assailant were acquainted with each other, although details about their relationship remain unclear. Investigators have examined Thompson’s social media activity, which reportedly included posts about the suspect’s sexual orientation made before her death.
The individual accused of the killing, who is a minor, has been officially charged as an adult. The minors’ protection laws in Alabama prevent the release of further information regarding the alleged perpetrator.
Thompson’s mother, Nikki Matthews-Cunningham, expressed her belief that the shooting was an act of hate towards her daughter’s identity.
“Of course, it was a hate crime,” she articulated in an interview. She posited that had her daughter been a non-transgender girl making similar online comments, she likely would not have been targeted in such a violent manner.
“I despise that this happened to her, all because she chose to be herself. That’s the sole reason for her death,” she added.
The designation of hate crimes varies significantly from one state to another, with Alabama being one of only nine states that do not consider sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity in their hate crime laws, according to the Department of Justice. In contrast, thirty-two states recognize sexual orientation, while only fifteen include gender identity within their hate crime definitions.
Tragically, Thompson marks the second known transgender individual fatally shot in Alabama this year, following the death of Tayy Thomas, a 17-year-old Black transgender girl killed in Mobile, Alabama in May. Reports indicate that the man charged in Thomas’ case has been described by her family as a former romantic partner.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 36 transgender individuals were fatally victimized due to violence over a year ending in November. More than half of these victims were Black transgender women.
“Cameron’s tragic death is not only a significant loss for her family but also a devastating injustice for the entire transgender community in Alabama and beyond,” stated Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey, the campaign’s director in Alabama. “Her existence and aspirations were valuable. We must ensure a comprehensive and transparent investigation to achieve some level of justice for Cameron’s family.”
Thompson was known for her intelligence and enthusiasm and had aspirations of moving to New York City for college.
“She was just beginning her journey,” said Matthews-Cunningham poignantly.
Thompson completed her high school education this year through a specialized training program after facing challenges at her previous institution related to using the women’s restroom and having her gender identity acknowledged through appropriate pronouns.
“She encountered difficulties with acceptance, but she was incredibly kind-hearted,” her mother reflected.
