A Philadelphia man, Akhenaton Jones, has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the brutal killing of Dominique Rem’mie Fells, a 27-year-old transgender woman, in June 2020. The verdict, delivered after a five-year-long battle for justice, brought relief to the victim’s family and the community that loved her.
The Brutal Crime
On June 8, 2020, the body of Dominique Fells was discovered in the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Initially, investigators found only her torso, which bore over 40 stab wounds. Three days later, her legs were recovered from a trash bag on the banks of the river. This gruesome discovery set off a series of investigations that ultimately led to Jones’ arrest.
The Events Leading to the Murder
According to prosecutors, Fells had been spending time at Akhenaton Jones’ home in Philadelphia. Two witnesses testified that they left Jones’ residence that night, but upon their return, they found Fells’ body lying in a pool of blood. The room was covered with blood, and Fells had been brutally murdered.
When authorities arrived at Jones’ home, they found a blood-soaked scene, with a knife, an electric saw, and a white hazmat suit all covered in blood. Surveillance footage also captured Jones disposing of Fells’ remains in a trash can and placing them in his white van. The footage then showed Jones driving the remains to the Schuylkill River.
The Investigation and Jones’ Arrest
After the murder, Jones fled to California. However, he was apprehended in Los Angeles on November 9, 2020, and was extradited back to Philadelphia to face charges. During the investigation, Jones’ DNA was matched to evidence recovered from the crime scene, including the blood on the knife, saw, and hazmat suit.
A Cry for Justice for the Transgender Community
This case shines a light on the alarming issue of violence against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. According to the Human Rights Campaign, there have been at least 372 cases of fatal violence against transgender people in the United States since 2014. The majority of these victims have been Black transgender women.
In response to the case, the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs emphasized that violence against transgender people, especially those of color, has become an epidemic. They called for a collective effort to end such violence and push for equality and respect for transgender individuals.
The Family’s Reaction
Dominique Fells’ mother, Terri Fells-Edmonds, shared a statement after the conviction, expressing both relief and pain. While justice was served, the pain of losing her daughter, whom she lovingly referred to as Rem’mie, will never fully go away. “Dominique’s life mattered, and we will continue to honor her every day,” Fells-Edmonds said.
The case has shed light on the ongoing crisis of violence against transgender individuals and the urgent need for justice and support for the transgender community. The sentencing of Akhenaton Jones is scheduled for September 26, 2025, where the full extent of his punishment will be determined.
