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Police: Camden man wanted in attack of transgender woman, double shooting in Philadelphia

Published  June 16, 2022 5:12pm EDT
Crime & Public Safety
FOX 29 Philadelphia

Transgender woman pistol-whipped by man, 2 other women shot in Kensington, police say

Authorities are investigating a possible hate crime against a transgender woman and two others that unfolded outside a Philadelphia speakeasy last weekend.

PHILADELPHIA - Police are searching for a New Jersey man wanted in connection to an attack of a transgender woman and non-fatal double shooting last weekend in Philadelphia.

Joel Martinez, a 21-year-old Camden resident, is facing several charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault, stemming from a Sunday morning double shooting in Kensington. 

Investigators say the violence unfolded after the victims and the attacker left a speakeasy near Rosehill and East Westmoreland streets. According to police, the transgender woman was beaten and pistol-whipped. 

When two people who were with the woman, a 17-year-old and 22-year-old, tried to intervene police say the attacker fired at them. The 17-year-old was grazed in the back of the head and the 22-year-old was shot in the arm, according to police. 

FOX 29's Kelly Rule reports that the violent incident may be investigated as a hate crime. 

Anyone with information on Martinez's whereabouts is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.