Community Mourns Sara Millerey, Demanding Justice After Trans Woman's Murder in Bello

The community of Bello, Antioquia, is currently grappling with profound grief following the tragic murder of Sara Millerey González Borja, a 32-year-old trans woman. Millerey's death, a brutal act of violence, has ignited widespread outrage and renewed calls for justice and protection for the LGBTQI+ community in Colombia. As loved ones gathered to say their final goodbyes, the investigation into her murder is intensifying, with authorities offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

A Community in Mourning

On April 8, 2025, family and friends gathered at the La Epifanía parish and Jardines de la Fe cemetery in Bello to honor Sara Millerey's life. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow as mourners, many visibly distraught, paid their respects. Images from the funeral show a white coffin adorned with colorful flowers, a poignant symbol of a life cut short by hate and violence.

«The images circulating on social media show the delicate situation that González had to face, a fact that has caused outrage in a large part of national society, in addition to the expressions of solidarity for the victim's family,» reported Pulzo.com (2025).

The Heinous Crime

The events leading to Sara Millerey's death are deeply disturbing. On April 4, authorities discovered that she had been thrown into a ravine in the Playa Rica sector of Bello. According to reports, Millerey had suffered severe injuries, including broken arms and legs, allegedly inflicted to prevent her from escaping the waterway. She was rushed to Hospital La María in Medellín, but succumbed to her injuries after several days of intensive care.

Official Condemnation and Call for Justice

Lorena González, the mayor of Bello, has vehemently condemned the crime, labeling it an «atrocious act of hatred.» She emphasized the city's debt to the LGBTQI+ community and vowed to pursue justice for Sara Millerey. González stated that the administration is offering a reward of 50 million pesos for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the murder. She also urged the Prosecutor's Office to act swiftly and ensure that this case does not go unpunished.

«I ask the competent entities to act with all possible speed, Sara deserves justice. This cannot be one more case that goes unpunished, we will not rest until there is justice,» added Mayor González, as reported by Pulzo.com (2025).

National Outrage and Demands for Change

The murder of Sara Millerey has sparked outrage across Colombia, with LGBTQI+ advocacy groups and human rights defenders demanding greater protection for transgender individuals. The case has amplified concerns about the ongoing violence and discrimination faced by the trans community in the country. Even President Gustavo Petro has weighed in, denouncing the crime as a form of fascism.

«The crime in Bello. Violently eliminating the difference is called fascism,» Petro tweeted, as cited by Pulzo.com (2025).

Investigation Underway

Authorities are currently gathering evidence and pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. The focus is on bringing those responsible to justice and sending a clear message that violence against the LGBTQI+ community will not be tolerated.

The Broader Context: Violence Against Transgender People

Sara Millerey's murder is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by transgender individuals in Colombia and around the world. Transgender people are disproportionately affected by violence, discrimination, and marginalization. According to Human Rights Watch (2023), transgender individuals often experience high rates of hate crimes, police brutality, and discrimination in employment, housing, and healthcare.

Moving Forward: Towards a More Inclusive and Safe Society

The tragic death of Sara Millerey necessitates immediate action to protect transgender people and combat transphobia. This includes:

  1. Strengthening laws and policies to protect transgender people from discrimination and violence.
  2. Providing comprehensive training to law enforcement and judicial officials on transgender issues.
  3. Implementing public awareness campaigns to promote understanding and acceptance of transgender people.
  4. Supporting LGBTQI+ organizations that provide essential services to the trans community.

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