Protesters seek answers in the death of Aaliyah Johnson
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
Hundreds of demonstrators marched peacefully through the streets of McKeesport Friday — and at one point even laid down on a city street in silence.
The group is demanding answers about how Aaliyah Johnson, a 32-year-old black transgender woman who called McKeesport home, died in the city late last month.
A march and a candlelight vigil were held near Kelly Park and were organized through the collaboration of advocacy groups like Trans YOUniting, 1Hood Media and Project Matters and family and friends of Johnson. Participants hoped to show the Allegheny County Police Department that they’re paying close attention to the investigation surrounding Johnson’s death.
Johnson was known in the area for being a dancer, entertainer and emcee in Pittsburgh’s ballroom scene. She was also a hair stylist.
She was found dead the morning of May 26 on the sidewalk outside of Mid-Town Towers, where she lived.
Videos of the demonstration that have been posted to Facebook and Twitter show the group marched past the apartment building Johnson called home on Friday while her neighbors held signs out of their windows that read “Black Lives Matter” and “We want justice.”
ACPD has released very few details about the investigation, but said late last week that no charges had been filed and foul play is not suspected.
On May 27, McKeesport police told the Mon Valley Independent that county investigators believe Johnson either jumped or fell from the window of her ninth-floor apartment.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office on Sunday confirmed Johnson’s death has been ruled a suicide and that she died from “blunt impact injuries of the head and neck.”
Those speaking during the demonstration Friday, including Johnson’s mother, Tony Reed, said they find it hard to believe Johnson took her own life. They are demanding county police continue investigating.
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