Seventeen-year-old Ally Steinfeld is the 21st trans person murdered in the U.S. this year.

Note: It is not entirely clear which pronouns—or even which name—the victim of this crime used. For the sake of clarity we are using female pronouns and the name Ally. In addition, this article contains gruesome descriptions of violence that may disturb some.



Three suspects have been charged in conjunction with the brutal murder of a transgender teenager in Texas County, Missouri.

This weekend the body of 17-year-old Ally Steinfeld, was discovered near a mobile home belonging to 24-year-old Briana Calderas. Steinfeld is believed to be the 21st trans person killed in the U.S. since the start of the year.

Calderas was arrested along with Isis Schauer and Andrew Vrba, both 18. All three have been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and abandonment of a corpse. Another suspect, James T. Grigsby, was charged today with abandonment of a corpse and tampering with evidence.

Vrba told police he repeatedly stabbed Steinfeld, gouging out her eyes and genitals. The women then helped him wrap her body, take it outside, and set it on fire. (Schauer and Calderas reportedly traveled to Walmart to buy items to for the fire.)

After the trio burned Steinfeld’s body, they placed some of the bones in a garbage bag and stowed it in a nearby chicken coop. According to police, Steinfeld’s cellphone and a knife were recovered from the scene.

After she disappeared September 1, Steinfeld’s family began searching for her using tips from friends and chatter on social media. Vrba messaged Schauer on Facebook on September 3, telling her to “stick to the story” and “quit talking.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for the Steinfelds.