“Proud” trans man Mar’Quis “MJ” Jackson killed: ‘He was full of life and love’
Mar’Quis “MJ” Jackson, a Black transgender man, was found dead in Philadelphia on 14 December. Jackson’s body was found dead in the backyard of a residence in Nicetown, Philadelphia, with blunt force trauma reported as the cause of death.
He had celebrated his birthday two days prior. According to Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents, Philadelphia Police have ruled Jackson’s death as a homicide and are continuing to investigate the circumstances behind his death.
One suspect was reportedly detained but released due to a lack of sufficient evidence. Born in South Carolina, Jackson was a supporter of various organisations including the William Way Community Center in Philadelphia and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund.
Jackson’s friend Sharree Harvey described him as “full of life and love” and said he would “get the party started anywhere.” She continued to say that he “loved everybody” and “wasn’t a person you can stay mad at”.
