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Suspect walks free in NY transgender death case

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The case against a suspect arrested in connection with the fatal beating of a transgender woman in Manhattan has been dismissed.

The Daily News says 20-year-old Paris Wilson left Manhattan criminal court earlier this week as prosecutors said they were not ready to move ahead in the case.

The victim, 21-year-old Islan Nettles, was attacked in Harlem in August. Police say she and a friend, another transgender woman, ran into a group of men who made anti-gay remarks.

Police say one of the men beat Nettles, who lapsed into a coma and later died.

Wilson was arrested on assault charges, but upgraded charges were pending because the victim died. His lawyer said Wilson never laid a hand on Nettles.

Prosecutors say the case remains active.

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Transgender woman dies after weekend attack in Harlem

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Islan Nettles, a 21-year-old transgender woman attacked in Harlem, N.Y., over the weekend, has died, according to The New York City Anti-Violence Project.

Nettles, according to the AVP, was out with a group of friends on Aug. 17 when a group of men began throwing punches and yelling anti-gay and anti-transgender slurs.

The incident occurred at about West 148th Street and 8th Avenue.

Nettles was taken to Harlem Hospital, where, on Aug. 22, she was declared brain dead and was taken off life-support equipment.

The New York City Police Department has made one arrest in connection with the attack and investigations continue by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, as well as monitoring by the AVP.

The AVP is organizing a vigil for the evening of Aug. 26.

On Aug. 23, after learning of Nettles’ death, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights group, issued a statement condemning “this horrendous act of violence” and calling on the NYPD to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.”

HRC said, “We send our deepest condolences to Ms. Nettles’ family, friends and loved ones and encourage those in NY area to join the AVP for the vigil Monday honoring her life.”