Transgender woman gunned down outside South Los Angeles home; suspect sought

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A search is underway for a killer who gunned down a transgender woman in South Los Angeles.

Police received a call about a possible robbery in progress in the 6100 block of Wilton Place at around 4 a.m. Wednesday. When officers arrived on scene, they found the woman suffering from an apparent gunshot wound on the front porch of a home.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said the victim did not live in the home. Her identity was not immediately released by police, but the National LGBTQ Task Force identified the victim as Deshawnda Sanchez.

Police do not know the motive behind the killing. A suspect description was not available.

Dozens gathered Friday night in Chesterfield Square and held a candlelight vigil and march for the 21-year-old victim.

Sanchez is the 12th transgender woman to be killed in Los Angeles this year. Advocates say the violence needs to stop.

"We all matter, and what we're asking for is for people to take attention and to take into consideration that we're people, and that we deserve to live and exist like everyone else," said Victoria Ortega, a transgender rights activist.

Demonstrators said they want lawmakers in Washington and Sacramento to take action.

If you have any information about this incident, you're urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.