Crime & Safety
Attempted Murder Charges Filed In Transgender Woman's Attack
A New Jersey man is accused of trying to shoot, then pistol whipping a transgender woman, as well as shooting two other women in Philly.
PHILADELPHIA — A New Jersey man has been taken into custody in connection with an attack on a transgender woman and two other women in 2022, according to authorities.
Joel Martinez, 22, of Camden, New Jersey, is charged with attempted murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and related crimes.
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said Martinez attacked a 23-year-old woman and shot and injured two other women, 22 and 18 years old, outside a Kensington nightclub at about 4:38 a.m. June 12, 2022.
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In the incident, authorities said Martinez shot at the 23-year-old but missed, but he did pistol whip her.
The 22-year-old was shot once in the left arm, and the 18-year-old woman suffered a graze wound to the back of her head.
Find out what's happening in Philadelphiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
It all began when police said Martinez used a slur toward one of the victims, leading to an argument.
Authorities said Martinez was taken into custody in Camden in December 2022, but was just extradited to Philadelphia this week.
He is being held on $3 million bail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 1.
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