Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying three boys who allegedly dumped an acidic substance on a 25-year-old transgender woman, leaving her with severe burns, last week in West Philadelphia.
Authorities said the attack happened at around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 1, when the victim was walking on 51st Street between Market and Chestnut streets. Police described the caustic substance used in the incident as “possibly battery acid.”
The woman is being treated at the Temple Burn Center for third- and second-degree burns to her face, legs, arms, neck and torso, and she is expected to be hospitalized for three or four weeks, according to a GoFundMe, which refers to her only as Diana.
Diana, the online fundraiser description continues, is likely to undergo at least two skin grafts and may need multiple surgeries. She was in the neighborhood June 1 to meet friends for LGBTQ Pride celebrations, it says.
6abc and the Inquirer reported that authorities believe the suspects are between 8 and 12 years old.
Police released a video compilation Friday showing the boys in an attempt to solicit tips. The footage does not show the assault, and faces are blurred in some images due to the offenders’ ages, the PPD said.
Some of the clips and images are pulled from SEPTA cameras. Investigators said the boys boarded the Market-Frankford Line at 52nd Street and got off at 60th Street following the attack.
No arrests have been made, a PPD spokesperson said Sunday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the department’s Southwest Detective Division at 215-686-3183/3184 or call or text the police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Law enforcement have not commented on a potential motive. City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said Friday in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that she was “horrified” by the incident and promised to stand up for the trans community.
“Young people are not born with hate in their hearts. Instead, the politically motivated, anti-trans hatred spewing out of Washington indoctrinates our kids and incites terrible violence,” she wrote. “That is why it has never been more important for every Philadelphian to live and preach Brotherly Love, Sisterly Affection, and Sibling Solidarity. We must stay united.”
The GoFundMe was set up to raise money to cover Diana’s health care costs, rent and other expenses, organizers said. Through Sunday, the effort has raised more than $65,000.
It was not the only incident of violence coinciding with Pride this year.
Hours later, early June 2, Derwin Matthews Jr., 31, was fatally shot – reportedly during an argument – amid festivities on Camac Street in the Gayborhood. There has been no word on any arrests in the killing.
