Trigger Warning: This article discusses the violent murder of a transgender woman, including details of intimate partner violence, homicide, and the justice system. Some readers may find the content distressing.
The tragic death of Sherlyn Marjorie, a transgender woman and beloved performer, has left a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Albuquerque and beyond. As the trial of her accused killer, Jose Mendoza-Espinoza, moves forward, her family, friends, and supporters continue to demand justice and recognition of the violence that too often plagues transgender individuals.
A Life Cut Short
Marjorie, 35, was last seen on September 16, 2023. Days later, her disappearance sparked a desperate search by her loved ones, who feared for her life. On September 26, their worst fears became reality when her body was found in a drainage tunnel on Albuquerque’s west side. Marjorie had been brutally beaten, bound, and discarded—a senseless and violent end to a life that had brought joy to so many.
Known for her performances in local drag shows and her warm, vibrant spirit, Marjorie was loved by many. Friends and family flooded social media with tributes upon hearing the devastating news. “I will miss your shows on stages, but … I am sure you will shine up there forever and ever,” one friend wrote. Another shared, “I was still hopeful that they would find you alive, cousin. It’s sad that it’s not like that. R.I.P. Sherlyn Marjorie. The best impersonator in Tijuana, my second Edith Marquez.”
The Accused and the Trial
Jose Mendoza-Espinoza, 30, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and multiple counts of tampering with evidence. According to court records, Mendoza-Espinoza admitted to killing Marjorie, claiming she had been extorting him for money and threatened to expose their yearslong secret relationship to his wife.
However, no corroborating evidence of extortion has been presented, leading many in the community to question this narrative. “We’ve seen this too many times before—claims of extortion, deception, or provocation being used as justifications for taking the life of a trans woman,” said one local activist. “Marjorie’s life mattered. She was not just a secret. She was a human being who deserved dignity and respect.”
During his pretrial detention hearing, prosecutors argued that Mendoza-Espinoza was a dangerous individual and should remain behind bars until trial. Judge Brett Loveless agreed, citing the violent nature of the crime.
A Crime of Passion, Not a Hate Crime?
Despite the brutal circumstances of Marjorie’s murder, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office has stated that there is no evidence suggesting the crime was motivated by anti-transgender bias. Instead, they characterize it as an act of domestic violence between two individuals in a clandestine relationship.
This conclusion has sparked debate within the LGBTQ+ community. Many argue that violence against transgender women, particularly those involved in relationships with cisgender men who attempt to keep them a secret, is inherently linked to societal stigma and transphobia.
“The reality is that many trans women face violence because they are forced into secrecy,” said Tori Cooper, director of community engagement for the Human Rights Campaign’s Transgender Justice Initiative. “Men who are afraid of being outed often react with aggression, and that is deeply rooted in transphobia. It is a tragic and dangerous pattern.”
Patterns of Violence Against Trans Women
Marjorie’s murder is part of a disturbing trend of violence against transgender women, particularly women of color. According to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 36 transgender and gender-expansive individuals were killed in the U.S. between November 21, 2023, and November 20, 2024. Notably, 42% of victims with a known killer were killed by a romantic or sexual partner, friend, or family member. This underscores the alarming prevalence of intimate partner violence within the transgender community.
These statistics highlight the pervasive dangers faced by transgender individuals, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to protect and support this vulnerable community.
Seeking Justice and Honoring Marjorie’s Legacy
As Mendoza-Espinoza’s trial unfolds, Marjorie’s loved ones continue to demand justice—not just for her, but for all transgender individuals who face the threat of violence. A memorial has been set up near the location where she was found, and local LGBTQ+ organizations have rallied to support her family and ensure her story is not forgotten.
A benefit tribute show and car wash fundraiser have been organized to help cover funeral expenses, with the community coming together in grief and solidarity.
“Sherlyn was more than just a statistic. She was a friend, a sister, a performer who lit up the stage and made people feel seen and loved,” said one of her closest friends. “We won’t let her memory fade, and we won’t stop fighting for justice.”
The trial is expected to continue through the week, with prosecutors presenting evidence of Mendoza-Espinoza’s deliberate actions to conceal the crime. Jurors will have the option to convict him of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or voluntary manslaughter. His defense has indicated that they will argue for a lesser charge, arguing that his actions were spontaneous rather than premeditated.
Regardless of the legal outcome, the transgender community and its allies remain steadfast in their message: Trans lives matter. Sherlyn Marjorie mattered. And justice must be served.
The Bottom Line
The tragic loss of Sherlyn Marjorie is a reminder of the urgent need for protections and resources for transgender individuals, especially those facing intimate partner violence. If you or someone you know is in danger, organizations such as the National Center for Transgender Equality and the Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) provide support and advocacy.
As we mourn the loss of another bright light in the transgender community, let us continue to uplift one another, fight for justice, and work towards a future where every trans person can live safely, openly, and with dignity.
