BALTIMORE– Hundreds of people gathered on Tuesday to recall the life of 57-year-old transgender woman Meghan Riley Lewis, who was shot and killed last week in the parking lot of her Bel Air apartment complex.
At 6:30 p.m., the “Celebration of Life” took place at the Harford County Circuit Court.
Lewis was referred to as a kind, loving, and big-hearted person by those who knew her. Lewis, according to friends, was the mother of two children.
She was an activist for LGBTQ people who welcomed anyone in need of a safe environment.
Her friend Tina Castle remarked, “Her point was to say, ‘Stay beautiful.'”
To say goodbye to her friend, Castle made the long trip from Massachusetts.
Food delivery driver Brian Delen has been charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder.
She said, “We’re trying our best, but it’s a little difficult to stay beautiful right now.”
Lewis was 57 years old when Brian Delen shot and killed her.
Friends claimed Lewis started a patient assistance group for transgender people traveling to Baltimore for life-saving surgery, and she welcomed anyone who needed assistance.
The executive director of Trans Maryland, Lee Blinder, said, “Just a few days before she was killed, she posted in remembrance of the holiday dinner that she would be hosting some guests, and anyone who didn’t have somewhere to be for the dinner should come and join.”
According to the prosecution, their investigation into Delen’s prior knowledge of Lewis and the circumstances surrounding their dispute is still ongoing.
According to Bel Air Police, Delen and Lewis got into an argument while he was delivering food to the English Country Manor location at about 6:30 p.m. on December 27.
Delen had heard Lewis approaching his car and had asked, “Are you waiting for a food delivery, sir?” according to the charging documents.
According to court documents, Delen claimed that Lewis was offended by his comments and started yelling at him because she thought he had mistreated her.
Lewis followed Delen on foot as he started to drive away. According to charging papers, he eventually stopped his car and re-engaged with Lewis, at which point they got into a fight.
According to court documents, Delen then pulled out a gun and shot Lewis in the stomach.
Lewis was reportedly found in the parking lot by responding officers. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was declared dead.
Justice is now being demanded by Trans Maryland and Maryland Safe Haven groups.
The executive director of Maryland Safe Haven, Renee Lau, stated that there are “too many trans people being murdered.” “This was a hate crime, right? Why did this have to happen?”
To turn over any surveillance footage or information to the officers, police are requesting neighbors who may have heard or seen anything.
