Investigators with the Los Angeles Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three people allegedly involved in a heinous hate crime against a 61-year-old transwoman.
According to a news release, investigators from the LAPD’s Rampart Division claimed the violence began on April 8 inside the victim’s store when one of the suspects began flirting with her.
“The victim rejected his advances, and he left. However, the suspect returned a short time later and pushed her to the ground,” police said. “The suspect sexually assaulted the victim and discovered she was a transgender woman. The suspect pulled away and threatened to kill the victim.”
The same person returned multiple times with two other suspects to commit hate crimes against the victim,” police said.
KTLA received surveillance video of three suspects severely beating Sabrina de la Peña at her second-floor store in the Westlake District, where she has been operating for 30 years.
In disturbing video footage, one of the attackers hides outside her door with a skateboard before assaulting de la Peña with it.
The same suspect is then seen taking her onto the building’s balcony and viciously hitting her as she attempts to defend herself, while another suspect looks on.
Police reported that the defendants pepper-sprayed de la Peña, drenched her with unknown substance, and attempted to stun her with a Taser.
The small company owner claims her attackers have returned two more times since then.
“I want to ask the community to help me find those guys, help the police catch those guys. If not, they’re going to kill me,” she explained. “Now, I don’t feel safe. I feel unsafe in the alley. I cannot work because I only thinking he going to come back.”
Authorities have increased patrols outside de la Peña’s store and are seeking public assistance in identifying the three suspects. They fear there may be further victims who have not been notified.
Anyone who may have been a victim or has information on the identity of the three suspects is asked to call Rampart Division Robbery Detectives at 213-484-3495.
Those who desire to remain anonymous can contact the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477.
