A shocking and brutal series of assaults on a transgender woman in Los Angeles has ignited widespread outrage and demands for justice, as police confirm they are investigating the case as a hate crime.
Sabrina de la Peña, a 61-year-old transgender woman and long-time business owner in the Westlake area, was subjected to a terrifying ordeal in April when she was lured into a bar by a man pretending to be a customer. What began as a routine interaction quickly turned into a nightmare.
According to reports, the man made sexual advances toward Sabrina. When she rejected him and he learned she was transgender, his behavior turned violent. Sabrina was physically assaulted inside the bar and later sexually attacked. But the horror did not end with a single incident.
In the days that followed, the same man returned—this time with multiple accomplices. The group subjected Sabrina to repeated and escalating violence. They beat her with a skateboard, doused her with unknown liquids, pepper-sprayed her, and even attempted to stun her with a Taser. The repeated nature of the attacks has left both Sabrina and the local community shaken and deeply fearful.
The LAPD has since classified the case as a hate crime, stating that Sabrina was clearly targeted because of her gender identity. Investigators believe the suspects may have attacked others and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Photos of the suspects have been released, and the public is being asked to help identify them.
Sabrina, who has run her neighborhood store for more than 30 years, says she no longer feels safe in the community she has long served. “I’m afraid for my life,” she said in an emotional interview. “If they’re not stopped, they’re going to kill me.”
Her story has struck a chord nationwide. LGBTQ+ advocates have called the attacks a chilling reminder of the very real dangers transgender individuals face—especially transgender women of color, who are disproportionately targeted in acts of violence and discrimination.
“This wasn’t random,” one local activist said. “This was a calculated, repeated act of hate. Sabrina was hunted. And unless these attackers are held accountable, others will suffer the same fate.”
In the wake of the attack, advocacy organizations are renewing calls for stronger protections for trans individuals, increased funding for LGBTQ+ safety programs, and more aggressive prosecution of hate crimes. They are also calling on bystanders and community members not to remain silent.
If you have any information related to the attacks or recognize the suspects, the LAPD Rampart Division urges you to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously.
As the investigation continues, Sabrina’s bravery in coming forward shines a light on the everyday risks many trans people face. Her plea is simple but urgent: “I don’t want anyone else to go through this.”
Her courage has become a rallying cry—and a grim reminder that the fight for safety, respect, and justice for transgender lives is far from over.