Trans Woman Killed, Death Not Related To Gender Identity: Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Police said a transgender woman was shot and killed last Saturday in Suitland. Officers identified the victim as 20-year-old Tavahn Ashton, who went by Taya.

A transgender woman is somebody who was born a male but identifies as a female. Detectives have not found any evidence suggesting that Ashton's killing was motivated by her gender identity, an incident report clarified. Officials indicated that they are still searching for a potential motive.

Authorities announced Wednesday that they arrested 27-year-old DeAllen Price of unincorporated District Heights in connection with the shooting. Police explained that Price, who was acquainted with Ashton, faces charges of:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Related offenses

Officers noted that they found Ashton at her apartment in the 2300 block of Brooks Drive around 9:55 p.m. on the night of her killing. Medics pronounced her dead on the scene, the write-up added.

Detectives wrote that they eventually named Price a suspect. The Arlington County Police Department arrested him Sunday on unrelated charges after fleeing from officers and running onto the train tracks at the Pentagon City Metro Station, the press release shared. The Metro Transit Police Department, the Prince George's County Police Department and a K-9 officer mentioned that they searched the tracks and found a weapon associated with Ashton's killing.

Price is in custody in Virginia awaiting extradition to Prince George's County, authorities reported.

The PGPD asked anybody with information to call 301-516-2512. Tipsters can stay anonymous by dialing 1-866-411-TIPS, visiting pgcrimesolvers.com, or using the “P3 Tips” mobile application. The case number is 21-0032181.

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