Transgender residents in New Orleans fearful after 2 slayings

NEW ORLEANS — The slayings of two transgender women, killed within days of each other, have members of the city’s LGBT community concerned for their safety.

New Orleans Police said they don’t believe the slayings are connected and they don’t appear to be hate crimes. But others are skeptical.

"We investigate every murder to its fullest extent regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation,” NOPD Cmdr. Doug Eckert said.

Other disagree.

"I don't think they're doing enough to protect the transgender community,” Maiyah Dupree said. “You know I hate to say that they're incompetent, but it is what it is."

Members of the transgender community said they feel cases against them are overlooked by the police department.

"I think we're scared to even talk to police or go to the police if something were to happen to us either if we were attacked or being discriminated or treated badly in some kind of way we don't go to the police because we feel they'll push it to the side,” Daphanie Dupree said.

Police said they don't believe Chyna Gibson and Ciara McElveen were killed because they were transgendered.

"At this time there's nothing demonstrating this is a hate crime,” Eckert said.

Given the documented cases of hate crimes committed against the transgender community in New Orleans, members continue to live in fear.

"I'm terrified for my safety as well as my other transgender sisters,” Daphanie Dupree said.

When the NOPD was asked to comment on safety concerns within the LGBT community, police suggested transgender women not meet up with strangers.

"I would say you should know who you're going to go see. Know who you're dealing with,” Eckert said.

The NOPD said there's no reason to suggest the two victims met up with strangers.

"(McElveen) didn't bother anybody, Chyna just the same they didn't bother anybody,” Maiyah said.

Police are looking for the driver of a car they believe might have information about the stabbing death of McElveen.