Pastor held in murder of transgender woman, authorities say
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A Detroit pastor was charged Monday in the murder of a transgender woman, as authorities revealed that her gender status played a role in her fatal shooting.
Albert Weathers, 46, of Sterling Heights, was charged with murder in the death of Kelly Stough, 36, who was found dead on a Detroit street Friday.
Evidence about how Stough's transgender status had a role will be presented in court, according to the Wayne County prosecutor's office said. Spokeswoman Maria Miller declined to offer further comment.
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The Associated Press left a message with Weathers' lawyer seeking comment.
Dana Nessel, Michigan's next attorney general, said the case reflects the "excessive brutality" faced by a member of Detroit's transgender community.
Nessel is also president of Fair Michigan, a group committed to equal protection for gay, lesbian and transgender residents.
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"You keep fighting, keep pushing and live your life. ... Don't let the world dictate how you should live," Jessica Williams Stough, the victim's mother, told FOX 2 Detroit. "He was always a happy kid but bullied because of his tendencies."
A GoFundMe page has been created, in Kelly's memory, to assist with funeral expenses. The campaign has raised more than $2,000 of its $4,000 goal.
Weathers was being held on $1 million bond for first-degree murder, FOX 2 reported.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.