''Duanna bravely confronted the Memphis Police Department officers who brutalized her while she was in police custody. At great personal cost, Duanna was the public face of our community's campaign against racism, homophobia, and transphobia. There was no justice for Duanna Johnson in life. The Mid-South Peace & Justice Center calls for justice in the investigation and prosecution of Duanna's murder.''

Statement about the shooting death of Duanna Johnson from the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center. Johnson was a MTF transgender who became famous in the Memphis, TN area after a tape surfaced of police beating her and pepper spraying her in the face and leaving her without medical attention. She had been brought to the police station on charges of prostitution and was handcuffed during the incident. It is reported that she was in the process of bringing a lawsuit against the police department. Two officers had already been fired for their conduct. Neighbors and even her lawyer have described Johnson's life as troubled. (Memphis Flyer)