Arrest Made in Series of Hate Crimes Against Transgender Store Owner in LA

Arrest in LA Hate Crimes

• 🚨 An arrest has been made in connection with a series of brutal attacks on a transgender store owner in the MacArthur Park area.
• 🎯 The victim, 61-year-old Sabrina Deopena, reports being attacked six times since early April, with each incident escalating in violence.

Details of the Attacks

• 💥 The most recent assault involved two individuals forcing their way into her convenience store, assaulting her, and stealing approximately $30,000 in cash.
• 🤕 Previous attacks included being punched, kicked, struck with a skateboard, pepper-sprayed, and having a taser attempted on her.
• ⚠️ The initial incident on April 8th involved a suspect who punched her, threatened her, and made anti-transgender remarks after discovering her identity.

Investigation and Public Appeal

• 🕵️ LAPD's Rampart Division is investigating the incidents as hate crimes and has released surveillance photos of the suspects.
• 🗣️ Chief Jim McDonald emphasized the seriousness of hate crimes and the department's dedication of resources to apprehending the perpetrators.
• 📞 Authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying and locating the two remaining suspects and are concerned there may be additional victims.