Family confirm trans woman shot to death near 89th and Dogwood

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The family of a trans woman murdered this weekend near 89th and Dogwood have identified her as 30-year-old Chyna Long. The family said they're sharing her story in hopes of making a difference.

"She was a great person and the world missed out," said Jonathan Long, Chyna's father.

Long said his daughter was a dance teacher, a hairdresser, a sister, a daughter and a friend.

Milwaukee police said Long was found shot to death on Sunday morning near 89th and Dogwood. Her family said she was in Milwaukee visiting from Chicago.

"We were all under the assumption that she was going back home. What made her stay, why she stayed, we don't have any of those answers," said Alissa Davenport, aunt of the victim.

In the last couple years, Milwaukee has seen several deaths involving trans people. Trans activist Elle Halo said she's known at least seven trans people that were murdered, but there could be more.

"Trans murders are regularly under-reported, misgendered, deadnamed, and that contributes to how we are able to do justice for those people," said Halo.

Halo said she's noticed an uptick in violence targeted towards transgender people in the last couple years. Halo believes this could continue after the Wisconsin Assembly passed bills restricting trans people from medical treatment and participating in school sports teams.

"The legislation and the negative media that trans folks receive makes it okay for us to be killed in the street and in our homes," said Halo.

That reason, Jonathan Long said, is why he's sharing his daughter's story.

"We just want to bring awareness so it don't happen again," said Long.

A 29-year-old man was arrested in connection to Long's death. Criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office in the coming days. The family said justice will be served when he's convicted.

The family started a GoFundMe to help with funeral funds.