Nearly two years after the tragic death of Regina “Mya” Allen, a Black transgender woman, her killer has admitted guilt, bringing some measure of closure to a deeply shaken community. Clayton Hubbird, 33, pleaded guilty to first-degree intentional homicide just before jury selection for his trial was set to begin. The plea comes as a significant moment for Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community, still reeling from a disturbing string of similar murders.
The Tragic Night of August 29, 2022
On the night of August 29, 2022, police responded to a distress call in the 800 block of North 26th Street. Upon arrival, they found Regina Allen lying on the ground with a gunshot wound. Despite her critical condition, Allen managed to provide crucial information to the officers. She described her attacker as a white man around 30 years old with brown hair, driving a black Chevrolet Tahoe with a child seat in the back. She also revealed that she had met him at a gas station on the near-south side earlier that night.
This description proved vital in the ensuing investigation. Surveillance footage from the gas station confirmed Allen’s account, showing her interacting with a man matching the description she provided. The man was identified as Clayton Hubbird, known to police from previous encounters.
Within days of the shooting, Hubbird was arrested. The investigation revealed that Allen had returned home with Hubbird and was seen arguing with him just before the fatal shot was fired. A witness reported hearing Allen exclaim, “I’m shot,” before collapsing.
Police traced Hubbird’s vehicle to his sister’s residence, where they found the black Tahoe and a significant amount of ammunition and firearm magazines in Hubbird’s room. These pieces of evidence solidified the case against him.
A Pattern of Violence Against Transgender Women
Regina Allen’s death was not an isolated incident. It followed a troubling pattern of violence against Black transgender women in Milwaukee. Allen was one of several transgender Black women killed in the city since June 2022. Brazil Johnson’s murder in 2023 marked the start of this string of killings, which also included Chyna Long and Cashay Henderson. These women’s deaths brought attention to the ongoing danger that transgender people, particularly women of color, face in Milwaukee and elsewhere.
Allen’s death was particularly harrowing because of the circumstances and the bravery she showed in her final moments, providing critical information to help identify her killer. Her loss, and the loss of others like her, underscores the urgent need for greater protections and awareness for the transgender community.
The Broader Context of Anti-Trans Violence
Regina Allen’s murder is part of a larger, troubling national trend. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Allen was at least the 32nd transgender or gender non-conforming person to die by homicide in the U.S. in 2023. The majority of these victims are Black and Latina transgender women, reflecting a disproportionate level of violence against these communities.
The rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies nationwide exacerbates this violence. These hostile environments contribute to a culture where transgender individuals, particularly women of color, are at heightened risk.
The Milwaukee Police Department has taken steps to address the community’s concerns. In September, the department announced it would no longer immediately include the gender of homicide victims in press statements to prevent misgendering. The LGBTQ+ community applauded this action as a step toward greater respect and recognition of transgender people.
Organizations like Diverse & Resilient offer critical support to the LGBTQ+ community, providing trauma-informed care and advocacy. For those in need, the statewide warmline is available for support at 414-856-LGBT (5428).
Hubbird’s guilty plea is a significant step towards justice for Regina Allen. Circuit Judge Jean Kies is going to sentence him on July 29. While the sentencing will not bring Allen back, it represents a measure of accountability and closure for her family and the community.
Remembering Regina Allen
Regina Allen was a beloved member of Milwaukee’s LGBTQ+ community. She was known for her resilience and strength, qualities that shone through even in her final moments. As her friend poignantly recalled, she was just days away from her 36th birthday when her life was tragically cut short.
Her death serves as a somber reminder of the work that remains to be done to protect transgender individuals from violence and discrimination. It also highlights the importance of community, advocacy, and support in the face of such tragedies.
As Milwaukee and the wider community continue to grapple with these losses, the hope is that awareness, education, and proactive measures will help prevent further violence and create a safer, more inclusive world for all transgender individuals.
