LGBT groups around D.C. are questioning the D.C. Police Department’s decision to omit the transgender identity of a woman killed early Wednesday morning in Northeast. In a press release after the shooting, MPD had originally identified the transgendered woman’s legal name, Myles Mclean, who had started using the name Lashai Mclean following a gender transition several years ago.

Although Mayor Vincent Gray acknowledge Mclean’s transgender status in his own press release, the police department was quick to say that they have no information to indicate that this is a hate crime. As of yet, no motive for the murder as been determined.

In a statement released on Thursday by the D.C. Trans Coalition, whose services were frequented by Mclean, the group stressed, “the absolute necessity for the police and media to respect Lashai’s gender identity. The least we can do to honor her memory is to respect her chosen, lived identity.” However, the police department’s policy is to not release the gender identity or sexual orientation of a victim unless it is relevant to the characteristics of the crime. According to transgender activist Earline Budd, Mclean had already been living openly transgender and that privacy was not an issue.

Some have criticized the MPD, and specifically Police Chief Lanier, for allowing LGBT issues to slip from focus, despite their staying in the limelight on several instances.

A candle light vigil for Mclean was held last night at the intersection of 61 and Dix Streets, NE, near where she was murdered.