Trans woman found dead near Houston bayou identified as Persia Amarra Conway

The transgender woman whose body was found near Brays Bayou in Houston last Monday (May 25) has been identified as 33-year-old Persia Amara Conway.

Conway’s identity was first confirmed by Blackout magazine on Friday (May 29), citing social media posts from her family.

In a Facebook post shared Friday morning, her mother, Michelle P. Simmons, described Conway as “kind-hearted,” “funny” and “stubborn like a mother” and mourned the loss of her daughter at the hands of a “monster.”

“Persia was more than just my daughter. She was a light. She was a force. She was the kind of person who could walk into a room and leave it brighter than you thought it would be. Knowing her was the same as loving her,” Simmons wrote.

“She was someone’s sister, someone’s best friend, and someone’s safe haven. She was deeply loved by her family, her community, and those who were lucky enough to experience her presence,” Simmons continued.

She also thanked members of the transgender community, friends, family, and strangers who offered support in the days following Conway’s death, writing, “Thank you to the transgender community, our family, friends, and strangers who have reached out with prayers, love, support, and compassion.

“Your messages, calls and kind words helped us get through the darkest moments of our lives.”

Houston police began investigating the incident after Conway’s body was found near Brays Bayou on Monday morning.

Authorities previously said they believed the victim was a transgender woman between the ages of 24 and 30 and were treating the incident as a possible homicide. Investigators are also looking into the possibility that the body was moved or abandoned at the location where it was found.

Houston police have not released any additional information about the suspect, motive or cause of death. The investigation is still ongoing.