Police in Philadelphia need the public’s help identifying three juveniles suspected of a horrific crime against a transgender woman. The assault reportedly took place on June 1, 2025 – the first day of Pride Month – in West Philadelphia. Video doorbell footage captured the woman walking down the street. She was unaware that moments later, someone would throw a chemical substance in her face, causing serious injuries. Now, police hope that releasing images of the incident will help bring the victim justice.
According to a statement from Philadelphia police, the woman was walking on South 51st Street about 1:30 p.m. when “a chemical was thrown on her, causing severe bums to her face and body. The victim was taken to the hospital for further treatment. After the incident, the juveniles board the El at 52nd Street and get off at 60th Street.”
The woman, identified only as Diana, suffered tremendously, according to her friend Shiloh Colon.
“I can’t believe how strong she is,” Colon told WPVI. “It was such excruciating pain, and I’m sure she went into shock. Immediately.”
Colon said Diana told her the suspects walked toward her and threw the chemical substance at her from a cup before running away.
“She was walking down the street going to her destination with her earphones in, so there was no interaction, nothing led up to this event,” Captain Robert McKeever of the Philadelphia Police Department Southwest Detectives Division told WPVI.
McKeever added that he thinks the suspects are very young. “In my opinion, they were anywhere from 8 to 12 years old,” he said.
Colon shared more of the story on a GoFundMe account established for Diana. Sadly, loved ones believe this may have been a targeted hate crime during Gay Pride Month.
“Diana has been in full body gauze since the attack and will need at least two skin grafts; however doctors are telling her to be prepared for multiple surgeries. She’s also been directed to take a minimum of one month off from work and will hopefully be going into her first surgery on Friday,” Colon wrote. “Because of the nature of these types of burns, we won’t know how they will evolve during her recovery so while we’re hoping for the best, we want Diana to be fully supported in case any extra care is needed.”
The account has raised more than $72,000 thus far.
Anyone with information should call the Philadelphia police tip line at 215-686-TIPS.
