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

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

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

In a Facebook post shared on Friday morning, her mother, Michelle P. Simmons, described Conway as “kind-hearted,” “funny,” and “headstrong like her mama,” while mourning what she described as the loss of her daughter at the hands of “a monster.”

“Persia was not 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 she found it. To know her was to love her,” Simmons wrote.

“She was someone’s sister. Someone’s best friend. Someone’s safe place. She was deeply loved by her family, her community, and everyone fortunate enough to experience her presence,” Simmons continued.

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

“Your messages, calls, and kind words are carrying us through some of the darkest moments of our lives.”

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

Authorities previously said they believed the victim was a transgender woman between the ages of 24 and 30 and indicated they were treating the case as a possible homicide. Investigators have also explored whether the body may have been moved or dumped at the location where it was discovered.

The Houston Police Department has not released additional information about a suspect, motive, or cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.