DETROIT (WWJ) -– An 18-year-old Highland Park man has been charged in connection with the murder of a transgender woman.
Malique Fails faces felony murder and hate crime charges after the death of 28-year-old Christina Hayes. It happened around 4:30 a.m. on June 21st.
Hayes' body was found later that afternoon in an alley behind a laundromat on Woodward Ave. north of McNichols Road.
Fails is accused of assaulting and killing Hayes before robbing her of her money and cell phone. She suffered injuries to her face and neck.
Fails was arrested last week and arraigned Monday on charges of Felony Murder, Larceny from the Person, and Hate Crime – Gender Identity Bias.
"This case represents a continuing pattern of vicious attacks and murders on trans women of color. Every single citizen of Wayne County has the right to lead their lives and be safe. We will bring the alleged murderer of Christina Hines to justice," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Fails will be back in front of a judge next week for a Probable Cause Hearing.
