Maria Jose Rivera Rivera
Age 20-2521 Jan 2023
Houston, Texas (USA)
Shot
TDoR list ref: tgeu/tdor2023/21-Jan-2023/Maria Jose Rivera Rivera
Maria was one of two adults found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in an apartment complex.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two people were found dead in a southwest Houston apartment complex in an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Houston Police Department.
HPD officers were called out to 10110 Forum Park near Sugar Branch Drive just after 1:30 p.m. for a welfare check.
"Upon their arrival, they could smell the odor of what they believed a body coming inside the residence," Det. James Wallschlaeger said.
A neighbor reported having smelled a foul odor and noticed mail outside the unit that had been there for quite some time, HPD said.
"There was a weird smell, blood coming through the porch from the back, and the smell was from about three days," a neighbor, said.
HPD said the two adults were reportedly in a dating relationship. Investigators say the cause of death appears to be from a gunshot.
According to investigators, no motive has been determined as the investigation remains ongoing.
Cristian Sanchez, Supervising Attorney at RAICES Texas and Maria Jose’s immigration lawyer, told HRC that all signs point to her murder being committed by an intimate partner. He provided the following statement:
“Maria Jose was a joy to work with. I always looked forward to speaking with her. She was lively, funny, and dynamic. My heart hurts from her loss. Transgender people who are immigrants suffer two levels of oppression and marginalization from society. This makes them especially vulnerable to harm. The transgender immigrant community deserves respect and safety.”
https://www.them.us/story/maria-jose-rivera-rivera-trans-woman-houston
https://www.advocate.com/crime/transgender-woman-killed-houston-rivera
https://abc13.com/murder-suicide-two-people-found-dead-sw-houston-welfare-check/12724075/
https://www.houstontx.gov/police/nr/2023/jan/nr012323-2.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbn1LKnlT_A
https://www.tiktok.com/@stop.the.madness_/video/7192422200840850734
https://www.gofundme.com/f/ayuda-a-mandar-el-cuerpo-de-jose-maria
