Alabama LGBT+ group mourns member’s death in attempted carjacking
A suspect surrendered hours after the deadly double shooting
AUTAUGAVILLE, Ala. (WSFA) - A woman is dead and her brother is injured following a Monday night shooting in Autaugaville, according to Autauga County Sheriff Mark Harrell.
The sheriff said the siblings were shot around 11:40 p.m. during an attempted carjacking near Highway 14 and North Pickett Street.
The woman, now identified as Kaitoria Bankz, was pronounced dead on the scene. The man, whose name has not been released, was shot in the head.
The sheriff identified the suspect as Kelmen Merrell King, 27, of Autaugaville. Harrell confirmed to WSFA 12 News that King turned himself in around 7 a.m. Tuesday and was charged with murder and attempted murder.
According to the sheriff, Bankz and King communicated online before the deadly incident and met for what investigators believe would be a sexual encounter. Bankz brought her brother, the sheriff said, though he provided no other details as to why.
Law enforcement alleges King attempted to commit a carjacking. That’s when the situation turned deadly.
The sheriff and a local gay rights organization identified Bankz, who went by Kai, as a transgender woman.
It was not immediately clear if Bankz was targeted because she was transgender. Harrell did say he anticipates more arrests in this case, however.
The Knights and Orchids Society (TKO), said Bankz was a member of the organization, which is dedicated to empowering “TLGB+ Black people across the South.”
“Kai was a bright light in our organization,” said TC Caldwell, Executive Director of TKO Society. “Her bold presence inspired everyone around her. She was making significant contributions in LGBTQ+ work through health coordination, community support, and advocacy.”
Below is an excerpt of TKO’s statement upon learning of Bankz’s death:
The organization went on to say Bankz was “a cherished staff member who was taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence.”
Caldwell said the organization is committed to honoring Bankz’s memory by continuing the work she was passionate about.
If you have any information about this case, contact the police.
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