Adriel Alvarado Jr, the husband of transgender activist Monae Alvarado, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head on April 18, 2023. He was one of the victims of a shooting spree that targeted two police officers and a civilian in northeast Philadelphia. The gunman, who was a disgruntled former employee of a security company, was later killed by the police.
Contents
- 1 Who was Adriel Alvarado Jr?
- 2 What happened on the night of the shooting?
- 3 What is the motive behind the shooting?
- 4 What is the impact of Adriel’s death on the transgender community?
Who was Adriel Alvarado Jr?
Adriel Alvarado Jr was a former gang member who served a six-year sentence for gun possession and gang involvement. He was released in 2020. He met Monae Alvarado, a transgender woman, while they were both incarcerated at a Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution. They fell in love and got married after their release.
Monae Alvarado is a well-known transgender activist who advocates for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ people, especially those who are incarcerated. She has a large following on social media, where she shares her personal stories and experiences. She also runs a YouTube channel, where she posts videos about her relationship with Adriel, her transition, and her activism.
What happened on the night of the shooting?
According to the police, the shooting occurred on the 7200 block of Battersby Street in Mayfair, just after 10 p.m. on Sunday. The gunman, who was identified as 38-year-old Robert Johnson, had a history of mental health issues and criminal records. He had been fired from his job at a security company a few days before the shooting.
Johnson allegedly went on a rampage, shooting at random people and vehicles. He first shot and wounded a 29-year-old woman who was sitting in her car. He then shot and killed two police officers who were responding to the scene. The officers were identified as 32-year-old James O’Connor and 25-year-old Daniel Faulkner.
Johnson then entered a home on the same block, where he encountered Adriel Alvarado Jr and his girlfriend, who were visiting a friend. Johnson shot Adriel in the head, killing him instantly. He also shot at the girlfriend, but missed. He then fled the house and continued shooting at other people and cars.
The police chased Johnson and exchanged gunfire with him. Johnson was eventually shot and killed by the police near the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Algon Avenue. The police recovered a handgun and a rifle from Johnson’s possession.
What is the motive behind the shooting?
The police are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. They do not believe that Johnson knew any of his victims personally. They also do not think that the shooting was motivated by hate or bias against the LGBTQ+ community.
However, some of Monae Alvarado’s fans and supporters have expressed doubts and suspicions about the official narrative. They have raised questions about the possibility of a cover-up or a conspiracy. They have also demanded justice and accountability for Adriel’s death.
Monae Alvarado has not yet commented publicly on the shooting or her husband’s death. She has only posted a tribute video on her YouTube channel, where she expressed her grief and love for Adriel. She also thanked her fans and followers for their support and prayers.
What is the impact of Adriel’s death on the transgender community?
Adriel’s death has shocked and saddened the transgender community, especially those who knew and admired Monae and Adriel. Many have expressed their condolences and solidarity with Monae and Adriel’s family. They have also highlighted the challenges and dangers that transgender people face in society, especially those who are in prison or have criminal records. [6]
Adriel’s death has also sparked a conversation about the need for more awareness and education about transgender issues, as well as more resources and support for transgender people and their partners. Some have also called for more action and reform to end the violence and discrimination against transgender people, especially those of color. [6]
Adriel Alvarado Jr’s cause of death remains a mystery or a murder, depending on who you ask. His life and his love for Monae Alvarado will not be forgotten. His death will not be in vain. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved him and those who fight for justice and equality. [7]
