The family of a transgender woman who was murdered is still seeking answers weeks after her death, including details about the circumstances and the identity of the perpetrator.
Denton police reported that 20-year-old Dylan Gurley was found deceased on Holland Lane in late July.
Erin Mendiola, Gurley’s mother, shared with NBC 5 that her daughter spent her early years in Little Elm, identifying as a boy before coming out as transgender. “We watched her transform from an uncomfortable child into her true self,” Mendiola said. Gurley had started using she/her pronouns during her transition.
According to Mendiola, Gurley was on the mend from a difficult relationship and had recently been staying in a shelter.
On July 23, Mendiola received distressing news from one of Gurley’s friends about her death. “It was incredibly traumatic. I needed to confirm if it was really my child,” Mendiola recounted.
Denton police found Gurley unresponsive at an abandoned home on Holland Drive. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office determined her death was a homicide caused by blunt and sharp force injuries and strangulation.
Mendiola expressed her anguish, “The violence and anger behind this is senseless. I wish things could have been different, that she could have lived her life.”
Weeks after the murder, Gurley’s family expressed frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation, suspecting that the crime was related to her gender identity. “I’m angry and want answers. Why does the world have to be like this? She didn’t harm anyone,” Mendiola said.
NBC 5 contacted Denton police for updates on the investigation, specifically about any suspects or if the crime is being investigated as a hate crime. A spokesperson replied, “No arrests have been made. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, we cannot share additional details about suspects or the case at this time.”
The police confirmed that detectives are exploring whether the crime was motivated by hate or bias.
Gurley’s family, along with LGBTQ advocates, will hold a memorial service to honor her life and demand answers. “We can’t force anyone to be held accountable, and that’s my biggest issue—I want someone to be held accountable,” Mendiola said.
The memorial service for Gurley is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Little Elm Rec Center.
