MIAMI – A day after Valentine's Day, Kristina Gomez Reinwald was found dead in her home.
Her death remains under investigation. The 47-year-old was better known as Kristina Grant Infinity, a performer in Miami Beach. She was born as Ruben Gomez.
Police didn't find any sign of forced entry at her home, 2045 SW 58 Ct., near Coral Gables. Homicide detectives were looking into the possibility that her ex-boyfriend was suspected of stabbing her to death.
"When he went to prison, she left him," Arianna Lint said in Spanish. "I understand he was the one who contacted her."
Lint is the director of services for the transgender community at Sun Serve, a nonprofit organization based in Broward County. She said transgender Latinas are often victims of domestic violence.
OTHERS KILLED THIS YEAR
1. Bri Golec, of Ohio: Her dad stabbed her Feb. 13, police said.
2. Penny Proud, of Louisiana: Shot multiple times Feb. 10, police said.
3. Taja DeJesus, of California: Stabbed in murder suicide Feb. 3rd, police said.
4. Yazmin Vash Payne, of California: Stabbed and burned Jan. 31, police said.
5. Ty Underwood, of Texas: Shot three times Jan. 26, police said.
6. Lamia Beard, of Virginia: Shot multiple times Jan. 7, police said.
7. (Sherman) 'Goddess' Edwards, of Kentucky: Shot in the chest Jan. 9, police said.
Learning of Reinwald's death felt like losing a sister, Lint said. Even though she had never met her in person, as a transgender Latina, she understands the courage and difficulties that Reinwald must have faced, she said.
"We are survivors of a lot of cruelty and discrimination," Lint said. It takes "courage to be honest with yourself and others ... and that sometimes can cost transgender women their lives."
Lint wasn't alone in her grief. News of her death went viral among members of the transgender community worldwide. Reinwald was the eighth transgender woman murdered in the United States this year, Lint said.
Activists are hosting a public vigil at 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Torch of Friendship monument, 401 Biscayne Blvd., in downtown Miami.
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