Daquane “Dream” Johnson Obituary, Death – D.C. police are asking for the public’s assistance in solving the fatal shooting of Daquane “Dream” Johnson, a 28-year-old transgender woman who was killed early Saturday, July 5, in Northeast Washington. The shooting occurred in the 2000 block of Benning Road NE.
According to authorities, officers were alerted to the scene at approximately 12:51 a.m., where they found Johnson unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.
The official police statement did not mention Johnson’s gender identity or classify the incident as a hate crime. However, Johnson’s family and LGBTQ+ advocates have confirmed that she was a transgender woman known to loved ones as “Dream.” Her aunt, Vanna Terrell, shared that Johnson had intended to legally change her name but had not yet completed the process.
According to Terrell, two teenage witnesses told a friend that they saw three men approach Johnson and yell a slur before one of them opened fire, continuing to shoot until the gun was empty. The teens reportedly recognized Johnson as she walked along Benning Road before the attack.
Both Terrell and local LGBTQ+ advocate Earline Budd believe that the brutal nature of the shooting suggests it may have been motivated by hate. Budd referred to the number of shots fired as “overkill” and emphasized that such violence could indicate the attack was driven by bias.
Despite these concerns, D.C. police said there is currently no evidence confirming that the killing was a hate crime, but they are continuing to investigate and gather more information.
Detective Natasha Kennedy of the D.C. Homicide Division is leading the investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact her directly at 202-380-6198.
A community memorial to honor Johnson’s life is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, at River Terrace Park, located at 500 36th Street NE. Family members, friends, and members of the LGBTQ+ community plan to gather to remember Johnson and advocate for justice in her case.
To encourage public assistance, a reward of \$25,000 is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction in connection to the shooting.
As the investigation continues, Johnson’s loved ones and advocates are calling for greater awareness and protection for transgender individuals, especially in light of the violence they continue to face.
