Man convicted of first-degree murder for stabbing and dismembering trans woman Dominique Fells in Philadelphia in 2020.

A Philadelphia man has been convicted of first-degree murder for the brutal killing of Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, a transgender woman whose body was dismembered and discarded in the Schuylkill River in June 2020. The conviction, announced by authorities recently, stems from a violent crime that shocked the community and highlights ongoing issues surrounding violence against the transgender population.

Akhenaton Jones, 41, faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, following a successful retrial after an initial proceeding resulted in a mistrial. In the first trial, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on charges of first-degree murder and possession of an instrument of crime, although they did find Jones guilty of abuse of a corpse. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, led by Larry Krasner, moved to retry Jones, who represented himself in both trials. In the latest trial, the jury found him guilty of all counts: first-degree murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and abuse of a corpse.

The case dates back almost exactly five years to June 8, 2020, when Fells’ upper body was discovered by authorities near Bartram’s Garden, exhibiting signs of trauma. Tragically, three days later, her dismembered legs, concealed in a garbage bag, were also recovered from the river. Prosecutors detailed a chain of events leading to Fells’ death, including a gathering at Jones’ residence with friends just prior to the incident.

Witnesses reported that Fells had entered Jones’ bedroom during the gathering, and upon the return of the friends, Fells was found dead, lying in a pool of blood. A subsequent investigation revealed a crime scene filled with blood splatter, as well as tools such as a knife and an electric saw, alongside a hazmat suit soaked in blood.

Surveillance footage from the area showed Jones disposing of evidence, further implicating him in the murder. An arrest warrant was issued after Jones fled the state, but he was apprehended in November 2020 in Los Angeles. Despite maintaining his innocence and claiming that another individual was responsible for Fells’ death, the jury rejected his defense.

The murder conviction brings some closure to Fells’ family, though they emphasize that the ruling cannot erase their profound loss. Advocates for the LGBTQ community continue to highlight the broader societal issue of violence against transgender individuals, which remains a pressing concern despite efforts at both local and national levels to address hate crimes. Notably, at least 32 people from the transgender and gender-expansive communities were reported killed last year, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and systemic change to protect marginalized communities.

As this case concludes, it has renewed discussions on the importance of recognizing crimes against the LGBTQ community under hate crime legislation and the necessity for continuing to honor the lives of individuals like Dominique Fells.