A Homeless Burlington, Vermont Transgender Who Was Severly Beaten Last Week Has Died From Injuries Obtained During The Assault

Burlington police have announced in a press release that a transgender man was assaulted at a homeless encampment last week and has succumbed to his numerous injuries and died on Sunday. The beating is being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Thirty-eight-year-old Amos Beede, of Milton, Vermont was pronounced dead at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington after being admitted with severe injuries. The police have stated that they suspect the assault took place a few hours before Beede, who normally roams around, was found at about 11 a.m. on May 25, lying unconscious on the ground.

The attack took place at a homeless encampment near Pine Street Barge Canal in Burlington. The police news release of the attack said that when the transgender man was found he was suffering from multiple blunt force injuries to his face and head which had caused internal bleeding. He was also said to have multiple broken ribs. When he was first taken for treatment at the University of Vermont Medical Center his prospects for recovery seemed hopeful, but, unfortunately, over the past week, his condition continued to deteriorate and he succumbed to those injuries on Sunday.

Rest in Power Amos Beede https://t.co/iNkn0QwKwO

— Eli Rigatuso 2S he/they (@EliRigatuso) May 29, 2016

The Burlington Free Press reported that an email sent by the police outlined that though Beede was transgender and identified as male, the investigation thus far suggests that the motive for the attack may not be solely linked to his gender identity. Chief Brandon del Pozo stated that they will explore all possibilities.

“The department has not ruled out the victim’s transgender status as a possible additional motive, and will seek to determine what role if any it may have played as the investigation continues. Until the attendant facts are clarified, we will continue to view this homicide as a possible bias incident. We will release further information as it develops.”

Another email from the police department in Vermont, this time sent on behalf of Lt. Shawn Burke, said that the attack on the transgender man does not appear to be a random act. Two persons of interest were named by the police in a press release, both transient residents of Burlington, and Erick Averill, 21, and Myia Barber, 23, are now being sought for questioning. The Vermont police did not advise if they were possible suspects in the assault. Since death was the result of the assault on Amos, any charges against his attackers would automatically become more severe.

Burke was adamant though that “this attack was directed at Amos. There was more than one perpetrator.” Due to the fact that the investigation is still ongoing, there is a limited amount of information that the police are able to share with the public.

In their coverage of the tragic assault on the transgender man, CNN wrote that research provided by LGBT advocacy groups points out that persons who identify as transgender actually face disproportionate hurdles in gaining access to basic human rights and needs when compared to the general population. Some of the most enduring barriers include access to education, employment, housing as well as health care, even something as basic as fair treatment in public spaces such as restaurants, stores and hospitals can be a trial for a transgender person.

The Burlington Police Department will be working alongside the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office to continue the investigation into the case of the assault on Amos Beede that caused his death.

Investigators are asking that if anyone has any information regarding the attack which led to the death of the transgender man to please call city police at 658-2700 or Champlain Valley Crime Stoppers at 864-6666.

[Photo Courtesy of Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images]