Police: Fatal Shooting Victim Identified as Transgender Woman (Update)

Updated at 4:40 p.m.

After speaking with family and friends, Montgomery County Police have referred to the victim of a Thursday night shooting as a transgender female.

Police have learned the victim killed identified herself as Zella Ziona. Authorities had earlier shared the victim’s former male identity.

Chief J. Thomas Manger said, “This is a horrific crime and a tragedy for those who knew Zella. As with all homicides in Montgomery County, we have detectives working around the clock to thoroughly and completely investigate this murder.”

Police are looking for the suspect in the fatal shooting Thursday evening in Montgomery Village.

Ziona, 21, of an unconfirmed address in Montgomery Village died of an apparent gunshot wound.

At 5:49 p.m. Thursday, Montgomery County Police and first responders were called to the area behind 18312 Contour Road for the report of a shooting.

Ziona was found and taken to an area hospital where she died.

An autopsy will be performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Detectives are urging anyone who may have information regarding the suspect in this homicide to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240.773.5070.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s).

Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
RLG