$50K reward offered in murder of transgender woman in East Hollywood

EAST HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A $50,000 reward is being offered Friday for information leading to an arrest in the murder of a transgender woman.

Officers responded to Melrose Avenue in East Hollywood last Thursday and found Aniya Parker with a gunshot wound. Parker, 47, was rushed to the hospital where she later died.

Detectives believe it was a botched robbery attempt and say it doesn't appear that Parker was targeted for being transgender.

"I know that there's nothing that could bring him back. But to me, he was my brother, and we cared and loved for him. I don't understand how you people can do such a mean and cruel thing," said Adrian Parker, the victim's sister.

The attack was caught on surveillance video. The footage shows a group of suspects surrounding Parker underneath a tree. One suspect suddenly throws a punch and Parker runs off. That's when one suspect fires a single shot, hitting Parker in the head. Parker managed to get away, but collapsed on a street corner.

Police say what the camera didn't capture is a person who was walking with Parker just before the shooting. Detectives want to talk to that person.

"We're searching for a witness who appears to have been walking with Aniya shortly before the crime. This witness appeared to be friendly, and cordial to each another. So we're trying to develop additional information from that fact right there," said LAPD Capt. Brian Pratt.

Police are looking for two to four men. The only available description is that they're Hispanic and possibly in their 20s.

"Aniya was our neighbor, has a family that loves and cares for her. This is why I'm working with the LAPD to bring the person or persons responsible for her death to justice. But we absolutely need your help," said L.A. City Councilman Mitch O'Farrell.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) LAPD-24-7.