Pennsylvania Man Convicted of Murdering Transgender Fashion Designer
A disturbing case of violence against the transgender community closes with a conviction.
In a chilling case that has drawn national attention, Akhenaton Jones, 41, was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, a 27-year-old transgender fashion designer from Philadelphia. The conviction, announced by Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, follows a brutal attack in which Fells was stabbed over 40 times, dismembered, and dumped into the Schuylkill River in June 2020.
The Crime
Prosecutors described the act as one of the most heinous and personal crimes witnessed, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the murder during a press conference. Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski highlighted the brutal aspects of the case, which took place against the backdrop of a deeper issue of violence faced by transgender individuals.
Fells’ remains were discovered by authorities on June 8, 2020, during an unrelated search operation. Her torso was located near Bartram’s Garden, while her legs were recovered a few days later, hidden in a garbage bag. Investigators uncovered a blood-splattered crime scene at Jones’ residence, where they found a knife, an electric saw, and a hazmat suit soaked in blood.
Evidence and Motive
CCTV footage captured Jones disposing of a trash bag linked to the crime, where he was seen driving the contents to the river.
According to Walter Chisholm, Jones’ court-appointed attorney, his client maintains that another man was responsible for Fells’ death and that he was coerced into disposing of her body. Nevertheless, this defense did not sway the jury, and Jones was swiftly convicted of first-degree murder, as well as charges for possession of an instrument of crime and abuse of a corpse.
The Community’s Loss
Friends and family have expressed their heartbreak over Fells’ violent death. Madelyn Morrison, a close friend, described her as artistic, vibrant, and someone who enriched the lives of those around her. “She always showed us these pieces of hers that were so brilliant, so creative,” Morrison reflected, offering a glimpse into the creative spirit that Fells possessed.
Broader Context
This tragic case underscores a grim trend in violence against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, with over 370 cases of fatal violence reported in the U.S. since 2014, as per the Human Rights Campaign. Jones now faces a mandatory life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for September.
As developments unfold, the community continues to grapple with the consequences of this act of violence, honoring Fells’ life and legacy while advocating for greater protections for marginalized populations.
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Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.