January Marie Lapuz | THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT by Lexie Cannes

December 31, 2012 • 1:41 AM 0

Bail hearing for murderer of BC trans woman Jan. 7; Awareness rally planned for Jan. 5.

Rally planned for murder victim January Marie Lapuz

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — The accused murderer of New Westminster trans woman January Marie Lapuz has a bail hearing Monday Jan. 7th according to the Canadian LGBT publication Xtra!

A news search resulted in no additional information about the accused, Charles Jameson “Jamie” Mungo Neel, since I wrote of his arrest earlier in December. However, in both the Xtra! article and on social media, there were concerns of the possible release of Neel during the hearing. However, as far as I can tell, these concerns were not based on recent developments, perhaps from the DA or the police, but rather, trans advocates’ stance of ‘categoric opposition to bail for accused murderers of trans people.’

That latter point was made by Leada Stray, one of the organizers of a rally to be held on Lapuz’s behalf two days before the hearing. Strays says they’re not asking people to pass judgement before Neel gets a fair trial, but rather, drive home the message that trans people are not safe in a country supposedly known for its pro-LGBT stance and leadership.

New Westminster Councillor Jaimie McEvoy is among the people planning to attend the rally: “I think it’s important when you have a group of people in society — who as a group are among the most disadvantaged in Greater Vancouver — I think it’s important for anybody to show their support.”

Full details about the rally: https://www.facebook.com/events/286153181487577/

More on the arrest and murder of January Marie Lapuz: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/12/06/arrest-made-in-september-killing-of-british-columbia-trans-woman/

More rally information from Xtra!: http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/Rally_planned_for_New_West_trans_murder-12989.aspx

Rally planned for murder victim January Marie Lapuz

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Filed under: Deaths, Murder, Judicial, Courts, Transgender, Transsexual, Trans, bc, Charles Jameson "Jamie" Mungo Neel, Councillor Jaimie McEvoy, January Marie Lapuz, Leada Stray, New Westminster, vancouver

December 6, 2012 • 8:19 PM 4

Arrest made in September killing of British Columbian trans woman

January Marie Lapuz (Photo: Facebook)

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — New Westminster, BC police charged Charles Jameson “Jamie” Neel with the September 30th killing of trans woman January Marie Lapuz. After being found at her home stabbed, Lapuz later died at a hospital. Other than adding that Neel has no criminal record and that they are still looking for a motive, the police made no further comment.

I checked several other Vancouver BC area news sources and there is no further information available at this time.

I wrote about Lapuz’ death two months ago, this is what people said about her:

“She would volunteer as a host at our social events, help us out with fundraising and she’d even perform. … She did a great Beyonce and she was a great singer and dancer. She was the life of the party. She made everybody laugh. We already miss her a lot.” . . . “The obstacles she overcame as an immigrant, as a transgender person, as a person in poverty … she really overcame a lot. …

More: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/10/04/trans-woman-murdered-in-the-vancouver-british-columbia-canada-area/

Lapuz was also on my TDOR 2012 list: http://lexiecannes.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/courtney-odonnell-transgender-day-of-remembrance-a-reporters-list/

Arrest info (not much more than what I’ve already shared): Man charged in Sept. 30 slaying of New Westminster woman.

I’ll keep you updated.

January Marie Lapuz (Photo: Facebook)

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Filed under: Deaths, Murder, Transgender, Transsexual, Trans, bc, Canada), Charles Jameson “Jamie” Neel, January Marie Lapuz, New Westminster, vancouver

November 19, 2012 • 2:43 AM 2

Courtney O’Donnell: Transgender Day of Remembrance: A Reporter’s List

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — [I wrote this for The Huffington Post.] I had the unpleasant task of having to report on 20-odd transgender deaths during the past year. Sometimes, just presenting the victims’ names and how they died is enough to convey the importance of observing the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

[You can also read the entire article on the Huff Post site: Courtney O'Donnell: Transgender Day of Remembrance: A Reporter's List.]

This list is by no means a complete list. I should also point out that not everyone agrees on which types of deaths ought to be included in such lists. I’ve included domestic violence and suspicious deaths but excluded suicide. I’m starting with the most recent death and working my way back to November 2011:

Cassandra: Found burned in a forest near Rouen (Normandy) in France. The exact cause of death was not disclosed.

Malena Suarez: Found stabbed to death in her home in Carolina, a suburb of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Janette Tovar: Murdered by her partner during a domestic dispute in Dallas, Tex. Her death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head.

Madona (aka Madonna): Died in a hospital in Aracaju, Brazil, of head injuries after an unknown group of people attacked her with stones.

Serap: Bled to death from a slit throat in Antalya, Turkey.

Kyra Cordova (aka Kyra Kruz): Found shot in the head in Philadelphia’s Frankford area.

January Marie Lapuz: Died in a hospital after being stabbed at her home in the area of New Westminster, B.C., Canada.

Deja Jones: Shot to death in Miami, Fla., seven blocks from her home.

Donta Gooden (aka Tiffany Gooden): Stabbed to death in the K-Town area of Chicago. Her body was found in an abandoned building.

Vuyisa Dayisi: Found dead in her home in Duncan Village, South Africa.

Secil Anne:Throat was cut open and her face disfigured by a knife at her home in Antalya, Turkey.

Lorena Escalera: Found by firefighters in bed using thermal imaging after her building caught fire in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Brandy Martell: Found shot to death in Oakland, Calif.

Paige Clay: Found shot to death in the head in an alley in Chicago, Ill.

Coko Williams: Found shot to death outside a home in the Parkhurst area of Detroit, Mich.

Tyrell Jackson: Shot to death near Palm Beach, Fla.

Rosita: Stabbed to death at her home in the South Beach area of Miami, Fla.

Agnes Torres Sulca: Tortured before she was killed, her body was found in a ravine near Atlixco, Mexico.

Deoni Jones: Stabbed at a bus stop in Washington, D.C.

Sonia Masi: Shot to death in Gujarat, India.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is Nov. 20. You can also read a report on each individual on this list, including links to sources. Feel free to share your comments or new facts on any of the trans people on this list.

via Courtney O’Donnell: Transgender Day of Remembrance: A Reporter’s List.

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You’re welcome to share this entire article!
Follow this topic on Lexie Cannes’ Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/lexiecannes
Support this site, get the transgender-themed feature film “Lexie Cannes“ DVD here: http://www.lexiecannes.com/id13.html
Associated with Wipe Out Transphobia: http://www.wipeouttransphobia.com/

Filed under: Deaths, Murder, Transgender, Transsexual, Trans, Agnes Torres Sulca, Brandy Martell, Cassandra, Coko Williams, Deja Jones, Deoni Jones, Donta Gooden, Janette Tovar, January Marie Lapuz, Kyra Cordova, Lorena Escalera, madona, Malena Suarez, Paige Clay, Rosita, Secil Anne, Serap, Sonia Masi, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Tyrell Jackson, Vuyisa Dayisi

October 4, 2012 • 11:44 PM 6

Trans woman murdered in the Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) area

January Marie Lapuz (Photo: Facebook)

THE GUERRILLA ANGEL REPORT — January Marie Lapuz was stabbed at her home in the New Westminster area last Saturday night and died at a hospital shortly after. No one has been arrested but someone was seen running from the area.

Lapuz was highly regarded in the trans community, volunteering her time and active involvement in a LGBT social and support group. Lapuz moved to the area from the Phillipines and spoke 3 languages.

Sher Vancouver’s Alex Sangha: “She would volunteer as a host at our social events, help us out with fundraising and she’d even perform. … She did a great Beyonce and she was a great singer and dancer. She was the life of the party. She made everybody laugh. We already miss her a lot.” . . . “The obstacles she overcame as an immigrant, as a transgender person, as a person in poverty … she really overcame a lot. … I learned that society is not providing enough supports for people like January Marie.”

The police do not know why she was killed but report they do have some details that they don’t wish to release at this time. They also reported that she was a sometimes sex worker.

Police are looking a mid 20s Asian male, five foot five inches, short black hair, and muscular build, He was wearing gray shorts and a black muscle shirt. The police are asking for the public’s help, call 1-877-551-4448 or by email to ihittipline@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Anonymous tips: CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.