DETROIT (WWJ) -- Charges have been filed in the murder of a transgender woman last summer in Highland Park.
According to investigators, 36-year-old Aisha Davis of Highland Park was shot in the head in June of 2023; her body found in a hotel room.
Nine months later, 18-year-old Carlos Lamar Scotland of Highland Park has been arrested and charged in the slaying.
"Asia Davis was one of those, not one of those cases back then, but one of those transgender women of color whose cases at the time were not being paid attention to at all," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy, who announced the charges on Friday. "And she was murdered tragically and coincidentally on the first day of Pride Month, June 1st of 2023."
"She was beloved in her community, and she was known to be a generous and compassionate person, according to her family and many, many friends," Worthy said.
Scotland, who was 17 years old when it's alleged he shot Davis, has been charged as an adult with First Degree Murder, Felony Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, and Resisting and Obstructing a Police Officer.
WWJ's Jon Hewett reports that Worthy declined at this time to talk about a motive in the case. "Specifically, if Asia Davis was targeted for being transgender," Hewett said.
This case was investigated with help from the Fair Michigan Justice Project (FMJP), a program that assists Michigan law enforcement officers and prosecutors in solving serious crimes against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons.
"This charging decision comes after hundreds of hours of work from the investigators at the Michigan State Police (MSP). Our Special Prosecutor Kam Towns has provided legal assistance to MSP and will be prosecuting the case. Through their dedication and hard work, we can announce these charges," said Fair Michigan President Alanna Maguire. "Asia Davis’ loved ones deserve to know that justice will be served, and we have never wavered in that commitment. We are proud to partner with the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office to prosecute homicides such as this."
Julisa Abad, Director of Transgender Outreach for Fair Michigan, said Davis was one of her best friends, and she's been in touch with her family.
"Her mom is doing good and grateful that we got justice," Abad told WWJ's Darrylin Horne. "Of course, she's not in a position to want to talk today; it's a hard day for everybody. Again, we're all grateful and joyous, but at the same time it opens wounds and reminds us of the constant reminder of not just what happened to her, but the epidemic that's going on in Detroit and nationwide."
Scotland's next scheduled court appearance is a probable cause conference set for March 26.