Black Trans Woman Attacked, Killed By Group Of Men In Pennsylvania

A transgender woman in Pennsylvania was attacked by a group of men before being fatally shot Tuesday morning, authorities say.

Kiesha Jenkins, 22, was shot in the back around 2:30 a.m. in the North Philadelphia, a spokeswoman for the Philadelphia Police Department confirmed.

"She was known to the LGBTQ community as a transgender individual," the spokeswoman said.

Police are treating the case as a homicide -- not a hate crime -- though that could change as the investigation continues, she added.

Jenkins was jumped by five to six men, physically assaulted, then shot in the back, police said. At least 18 other transgender women have reportedly been killed in the U.S. this year -- and at least 16 of those victims, including Jenkins, were women of color. The actual number of killings of trans individuals is likely much higher, as family members often don't report to police or media that a victim identified as transgender.

A $20,000 reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to an arrest and conviction of the men.

If you have any information, call police at 215-686-TIPS, or the homicide unit at 215-686-3334.