© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

Miss Trans America Founder Is The First Known Transgender Person Killed This Year

Facebook: Christa Leigh Steele-Knudslien

A murder in North Adams, Massachusetts last week was the first reported homicide of a transgender person in the country in 2018. 

Police say Christa Leigh Steele-Knudslien, the founder of the Miss Trans America pageant, was found dead in her North Adams home Friday.

Her husband, Mark Steele-Knudslien, was arraigned Monday for allegedly stabbing and bludgeoning her to death. A vigil was held Monday in her honor.

It’s the first alleged domestic violence-related death in Massachusetts in 2018.

Domestic violence programs statewide are renewing calls for increased services and policies that help transgender people.

Related Content