After several days of searching, a 25 year-old trans woman was found dead near her family’s home in Tabor City, North Carolina. Multiple media reports, some of which had misgendered Johnson, indicate she left her home on February 13 around 3 a.m. Reportedly, she left behind her keys, phone and other personal belongings, possibly suggesting the trip out should have been a quick one. After receiving no contact from her or an indication of her whereabouts over the weekend, Johnson’s family filed a missing person’s report on February 16.
Johnson’s body wasn’t discovered until February 19. Deanna Dixon, Johnson’s cousin, found her by a pond south of the Johnson family home laying face down without shoes.
As of February 26, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced that Johnson’s death was labeled as a homicide. To date, the state medical examiner’s office has yet to turn in the final autopsy results pertaining to Johnson’s case.
Johnson was fondly remembered by her family after the discovery. An extended family member, who identified as Quashema Reaves, recalled Johnson as being the life of the party. “It was just a joyful moment every time [she] was around,” Reaves said, speaking with WECT News 6. Dixon also relayed a message to the outlet from Johnson’s mother. “[Her] mother said to let y’all know that’s her baby. She wants justice. We’re going to get justice,” Dixon said.
From the posts on her social media, Johnson’s bond with family was tight in the home they all shared in Tabor City. Many birthdays were celebrated, along with pictures and videos chronicling multiple gatherings. While working at a local LaQuinta Inn & Suites, Johnson also managed a side career as a digital content creator, where she used various channels to tell her story through images, videos, and memes.
As reported by the Pittsburgh Lesbian TQ+ Correspondents, Johnson is the fourth trans person whose death has been reported in 2025.
Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office at 910-640-1428.