Jade Roberts
Age 252 Jan 2026
Houston, Texas (USA)
Shot
Jade's body was found wrapped in a tarp in an abandoned building. Social media posts suggest they may have been gender nonconforming.
Media coverage of Jade's murder are almost nonexistent, and their murder did not come to light until four months later.
On January 2, 2026, Jade Roberts was found at an old Wells Fargo building at Hillcroft between Richmond and Westheimer on the second day of the year, wrapped in a tarp. The city was Houston. Jade was a 25 year old Black trans person.
Houston police told ABC13 that Jade had been shot and possibly moved to this final resting space, one known for many reported petty crimes. Five months later, there are no leads, no progress, no suspects, and no closure for Jade’s loved ones or the larger Houston trans community. You can read Jade’s obituary here.
Jade has most often been identified using male pronouns and their assigned name. But also with the name Jade, by friends and family, in photos of Jade with others, and by law enforcement. Jade’s social media profile are dated and suggest they may have more openly lived or expressed a gender nonconforming identity.
I’ve noticed most of their family members used their names interchangeably and posted photos of Jade in what we consider femme hairstyles, clothing, and makeup. Comments from family members express surprise when they posted newer images, but no one said anything mean or implied rejection. The impression is that Jade’s family loved them without limit. I hope that love sustained Jade and will comfort their family.
Media coverage has been almost nonexistent. There are no leads or suspects. But I’m not truly surprised that the shooting death of a Black transperson wrapped in a tarp and dumped in an abandoned building has slid under the radar. Shocking yes, but not surprising.
Rest in power, Jade. Your life was important. Like the gemstone that shares your name, you were precious and immortal. Thus, the true circumstances around your death is also important. Thank you for the love and kindness you brought to this world. You were ripped away from your family, your community, and all of us far too soon.
May your memory be a revolution.
https://www.transunitedfund.com/p/jade-roberts-a-black-trans-texan
https://www.houstontx.gov/police/nr/2026/apr/nr260427-9.htm
https://www.instagram.com/p/DYsqGO-sHgc/
