Rasheen Everett strangled Amanda Gonzalez-Andujar in Queens, but his 2013 conviction was overturned due to a judge’s mistake.
Manhattan Man Found Guilty in Retrial of 2010 Murder of Transgender Woman
In a significant development, a Manhattan man, Rasheen Everett, has been found guilty for the second time in the 2010 murder of a transgender woman, Amanda Gonzalez-Andujar. The initial conviction in 2013 was overturned in 2021 due to a judicial error, leading to a retrial of the case. Following the retrial, a jury in Queens convicted Mr. Everett, 43, of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. The tragic killing of Ms. Gonzalez-Andujar is a stark reminder of the widespread violence faced by transgender individuals, as highlighted by the American Medical Association’s classification of such violence as an “epidemic.”
The Queens district attorney, Melinda Katz, emphasized the unwavering commitment of prosecutors to seek justice for Ms. Gonzalez-Andujar, despite the passage of several years since her death. Ms. Katz underscored the diligent efforts of her office in reconstructing a robust case against Mr. Everett and securing a conviction for the brutal murder of the young woman over a decade ago.
The heinous crime took place in March 2010 when Mr. Everett strangled Ms. Gonzalez-Andujar, who was known to offer her services as a prostitute, in her Glendale apartment in Queens. Subsequently, he attempted to conceal evidence of the murder by dousing her body in bleach and remained in her residence for an extended period following the crime.
The retrial and subsequent conviction of Rasheen Everett serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address and combat the pervasive violence targeting transgender individuals. The case exemplifies the resilience and determination of law enforcement authorities in seeking justice for victims of such tragic incidents.
Source: The NY Times
